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Albuquerque is a bustling city packed with businesses and fun activities to enjoy over the weekends. However, the large number of residents in the city means there’s a greater risk of getting into an accident on certain roads. Busy intersections are the most common area for an accident, and Albuquerque intersections are no different.
Knowing which roads have higher accident statistics can help you prepare in advance and practice safe driving behaviors. Shapiro Law Team is here to give you a brief guide into the crash hotspots in the city and what you can do to protect yourself behind the wheel.
Intersections are a complicated formula of road signs, merges, detours, turn lanes, and shifting traffic flow. One wrong move could put you at risk for a serious car accident. To keep yourself safe in these conditions, stay alert and aware of your surroundings while practicing good driving behaviors to safely navigate the situation.
While there is an inherent risk of an accident every time you get behind the wheel, certain driving behaviors can increase your chances of getting into a serious situation. Common factors that can cause a car accident include:
Distracted driving is classified as operating a motor vehicle without your full attention on the road in front of you. This can include looking at your phone, eating food, reaching for your sunglasses, or any behavior that draws your attention away from the task at hand. You can also be distracted by reading road signs or thinking about things that cause your mind to wander. All of these things increase the odds of you ending up in a car accident.
Accidents in intersections are more common than you might think. The busier the intersection, the greater the risk of getting into an accident. Knowing which areas of Albuquerque have greater risks can help you avoid these areas when possible or prepare to carefully drive through them. Here’s a quick glance at the areas in Albuquerque that have the highest car accident rates.
Why it’s dangerous: While this intersection has a lower traffic flow than other areas, the average accident rate still makes it dangerous. Between 2009 and 2013, this dangerous intersection saw over 500 car accidents that resulted in 149 injuries and deaths. Since multiple lanes of traffic merge under an overpass, the dim lighting and odd signs can be confusing for some drivers.
Google Maps Location: Paseo Del Norte NW & Coors Blvd NW (NM-45)
Why it’s dangerous: This intersection has a high level of daily traffic, which means more chances for an accident. It’s seen a total of 385 collisions, out of which more than 100 resulted in severe injuries and fatalities.
Google Maps Location: Coors Blvd NW & Central Ave
Why it’s dangerous: This 4-way intersection seems harmless at first glance. With low levels of traffic and clear signage, navigating it seems straightforward. However, this intersection has had 152 car accidents between 2009 and 2013, and a pedestrian was killed there in 2017.
Google Maps Location: 7 Bar Loop Rd NW & Coors Blvd Bypass NW
Why it’s dangerous: A lower traffic level doesn’t make this intersection less risky. In recent years, it’s had around 50 accidents, with around 20 of them resulting in serious injuries and fatalities.
Google Maps Location: Osuna Rd NE & Pan American Fwy NE
Why it’s dangerous: This quaint little intersection is considered one of the most dangerous in Albuquerque, as it’s seen 9 accidents that caused serious injuries and even deaths. Drivers traveling through here need to proceed with caution and remain alert.
Google Maps Location: Paseo Del Volcan & Iris Road Northeast
Related Article: Can I Sue Someone Personally After a Car Accident?
Are some areas of the city more dangerous to drive through than others? According to the Albuquerque Police Department, these neighborhoods see the highest rates of intersection accident reports throughout the city:
If you find yourself starting to become anxious about getting behind the wheel, don’t become a hermit just yet. You can still safely explore the city and commute around with the help of a few simple driving practices. These driving behaviors can keep you safe on the road and help lower the chances of getting into an accident.
When you approach an intersection, you need to be prepared to stop. Even if the light is currently green, it can change as you approach the intersection and cause you to hit the brakes. As you roll towards the light, let your foot off the accelerator and have it hovering over the brake pedal.
Before you start braking, and if you have the space to do so, it can be helpful to gently tap your brakes. This lets the driver behind you know that you’re planning to slow down and come to a stop; that way they have ample time to brake as well.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to drive cautiously. When the light turns green, wait a moment before you start accelerating. There may be a distracted driver who runs the red, and those couple of seconds could keep you safe. Drive to protect yourself without putting others at risk.
Above all else, stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Don’t try to multitask or check your phone while driving, and keep your head on a swivel to keep an eye on traffic around you. This can help you anticipate other drivers and react accordingly.
The intersections with the greatest risk of an accident are 4-way intersections and T-intersections. For 4-way intersections, drivers need to abide by posted traffic laws when it comes to the right of way and the flow of traffic. In T-intersections, the main road of traffic (the top of the T) always has the right of way.
In the event of an intersection accident, the driver who caused the accident is the one found liable. However, it can sometimes be tough to determine who caused the accident and who is at fault. The police will have to take into account physical evidence, eyewitness testimonies, and outside factors such as traffic rules and signs in the area. If a driver doesn’t abide by the posted traffic rules, they are liable.
Discussing the dangers of intersections is not meant to instill a fear of driving or prevent you from getting behind the wheel. Rather, knowing the areas that are a greater risk can help you prepare and keep you safe. Regardless of where in Albuquerque or the surrounding areas you’re driving, you can practice safe driving habits to protect yourself and ensure you make it home safely at the end of the day.
If you’ve found yourself in an intersection accident that’s left you injured and you need legal help, Shapiro Law Team is here to help. We’re ready to fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an expert car accident attorney in Albuquerque, NM.