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The Federal Highway Administration reports that intersection collisions account for more than 45% of all reported crashes and 21% of fatalities. 

Who has the right of way at intersections, becomes an important question when one looks at the 2013 statistics for Collier County. Recently, Collier County's top 20 highest traffic incident locations was announced.  The statistics range from a high of 77 crashes with 18 injuries for the number one most dangerous intersection, I-75 and Immokalee Road, to a low of 37 crashes with 4 injuries at Collier Boulevard and Golden Gate Boulevard in the number 20 spot.  Taking all 20 intersections together there were a total of 1,039 crashes in 2013. At the end of this blog, we have provided a chart which shows all 20 of Collier County's highest traffic incident locations in 2013.

"Respecting the right-of-way of others, especially pedestrians, motorcycle and bicycle riders, is the way to reduce traffic accidents at intersections. Driving always requires the driver's full attention, and the intersections which are the highest traffic incident locations in Collier County in 2013 require even more attention, " says Collier County Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey, of Spivey Law Firm Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 

In Florida, no one has the right-of-way.  Florida law (S316.123) states who must yield the right-of-way when vehicles enter stop or yield intersections which may be indicated by signs. Following is information from the Florida Driver Handbook regarding right-of-way.

Stop Signs

You must yield the right-of-way to all other traffic and pedestrians at stop signs. Move forward only when the road is clear. At four-way stops, the first vehicle to stop should move forward first. If two vehicles reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left yields to the driver on the right. 

Open Intersections

An open intersection is one without traffic control signs or signals. When you enter one, you must yield the right-of-way if: 

• A vehicle is already in the intersection.
• You enter or cross a state highway from a secondary road.
• You enter a paved road from an unpaved road.
• You plan to make a left turn and a vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction.
• When two cars enter an open intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are a new type of intersection which improve traffic flow and reduce traffic crashes. Most roundabouts do not require stopping, which allows vehicles to move continuously through intersections at the same low speed. Roundabouts are designed to move all traffic through a counterclockwise direction. Vehicles approaching the roundabout yield to circulating traffic, however, drivers must obey all signs to determine the correct right-of-way in the roundabout.

Safety Rules for Pedestrians 

• Look to the left and the right before stepping off any curb.
• Cross only at intersections or designated crosswalks. Drivers are always more alert for pedestrians when they approach intersections.
• Cross with the green light or "WALK" signal. Make sure you have enough time to cross. Although the motorist must yield, the motorist may not see you in time.
• While walking along a highway, always walk on the shoulder on the left side, facing traffic. Wear light colored clothing or use a flashlight to make you more visible to drivers at night.

When it helps to prevent collisions, it is always best to yield the right-of-way. Never assume other drivers will give you the right-of-way.

Collier County's Top 20 Highest Traffic Incident Locations in 2013

Collier County Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.