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The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that there are over 15.5 million licensed drivers in the State of Florida. Starting in October, and continuing through Easter, seasonal traffic between the northeastern United States and Florida increases dramatically.  At the peak of the winter season, the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) estimates 818,000 visitors travel from their home states or abroad to spend at least a month in Florida. Unfortunately, a surge in drivers also means a surge in accidents.

The Florida Strategic Traffic Safety Plan (November 2012) reports that nearly 29 percent of the statewide traffic fatalities were intersection-related between 2006-2010. Crashes which occur at, or within, 250 feet of signaled and un-signaled intersections are defined as intersection related.

Causes of Intersection Crashes

Driver error is reported to be the key factor in intersection crashes.

Red-light violations contribute substantially to the millions of intersection collisions that occur nationally each year. Red-light running is the leading cause of urban crashes according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. About half of the deaths in red light running crashes are pedestrians, bicyclists, and occupants in other vehicles who are hit by the red light runners according to the Haines City, FL Traffic Safety Program.

The U.S. Department of Transportation cites the following common errors drivers make at intersections:

Intersections with Traffic Lights

• Failing to detect a signalized intersection and signal indications.
• Failing to detect proper lane assignment.
• Not understanding whether to proceed or stop at the onset of a yellow indication. (This is known as the "dilemma zone".)
• Underestimating the time to reach an intersection.
• Underestimating the time to make a smooth stop.
• Failing to discern conflict boundaries (stop bar and beyond).
• Accepting an unsafe gap distance when making an unprotected left turn.
• Misinterpreting guide sign information.

Intersections without Traffic Lights

• Failing to detect the intersection.
• Accepting an unsafe gap distance.
• Inaccurately estimating approaching vehicles' speed, also known as closure rates.
• Underestimating the time to accelerate to clear opposing traffic.
• Running a STOP sign.
• Failing to yield the right of way.

Roundabouts

• Failing to control speed on approach.
• Failing to stop behind a queued vehicle at a roundabout approach.
• Accepting an unsafe gap distance.
• Failing to detect proper lane assignment for desired exit.
• Failing to yield the right of way to vehicles in the roundabout.
• Failing to yield to pedestrians and bicyclists legally in the roundabout.

5  Tips for Safely Navigating an Intersection from the Florida Driver's Handbook:

1. Look both ways and be ready to brake or stop.
2. Drive at the slowest speed just before entering the intersection, not while crossing.
3. Do not pass or change lanes.
4. Be aware of vehicles behind you. Will they be able to stop if necessary?
5. If you are stopped, look for bicyclists and pedestrians who may be crossing the intersection from another direction.

"Being involved in a vehicle accident can be devastating, and dealing with the ramifications of the accident can be confusing and complicated. If you or a loved one has been in an accident, it is important to contact an experienced law firm immediately," says Southwest Florida Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Southwest Floirda Personal Injury 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.