What Are The Most Dangerous Intersections and Roads on Long Island?

After decades of decline, the number of crashes and traffic deaths in the United States has surged recently. According to the New York Times, the national per capita vehicle death rate rose 17.5 percent over two years – the most significant two-year increase since right after World War II.

While researchers are still trying to determine why traffic deaths have risen so dramatically, risky driving behaviors appear to be a top contributing factor. Dangerous intersections and roads can compound the problem.

At The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., our attorneys are committed to helping accident victims on Long Island and throughout New York pursue the compensation they need for injuries. Our lawyers have over 40 years of experience handling all manner of personal injury cases and have recovered half a billion dollars for our clients.

Contact our office today to speak to an intersection accident lawyer during a free consultation.

Why Are Long Island Roads and Intersections Dangerous?

Driving on Long Island can be hazardous for various reasons, including:

• Congestion – Every day, hundreds of thousands of people commute to and from Long Island for work. With so many drivers on the road, congestion is inevitable. Motorists who tailgate, daydream, or behave aggressively in stop-and-go traffic are more likely to cause accidents.
• Road rage – Drivers frustrated by traffic may become angry and engage in aggressive or dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, following too closely, making unsafe lane changes, and weaving in and out of traffic. These behaviors increase the risk of traffic accidents.
• Tourists – Millions of people visit Long Island from New York, the greater Northeast, and throughout the country. Tourists unfamiliar with local roads are prone to cause accidents because they may stop abruptly, make unlawful turns, or go in the wrong direction on one-way streets, for example.
• Truck routes – Major trucking routes through Long Island add to the already intense congestion on I-495 and other highways. These trucks are so large and heavy that they can inflict significant injuries on accident victims, even in low-speed collisions.
• Pedestrians and cyclists – Many Long Islanders use bicycles to commute to work or walk to avoid traffic. Drivers who speed, run red lights and stop signs, or are distracted often fail to notice pedestrians and bicyclists before it’s too late to avoid a collision.

Stay Alert on These Roads on Long Island

Some of the most dangerous intersections on Long Island are:

In addition to these intersections, some hazardous roads on Long Island include:

Safety Tips for Drivers

Although there is no way to eliminate all risks on the road, there are some safety measures that drivers can take to decrease the chances of causing collisions. The top safety tips for staying safe behind the wheel include:

1. Stay alert and do not allow for distractions. Distracted drivers are much less likely to notice potential hazards on the road and take action to avoid them. Keep distractions to a minimum to protect yourself and others on the road.
2. Avoid tailgating. Leave plenty of space between your car and the car in front of you. Otherwise, you may not have enough time or distance to avoid a collision if the vehicle in front of you slows down or stops suddenly.
3. Slow down at crosswalks and intersections. Be particularly cautious near crosswalks and intersections. Motorists often fail to notice pedestrians and cyclists before it is too late. Be sure to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers when required by law.
4. Be alert in high-traffic areas for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. While congestion may slow you down, accidents can still occur at low speeds when vehicles are packed together tightly, especially when visibility is low. Be on the lookout for pedestrians and cyclists, who may be harder to see when traffic is dense.
5. Use signals when turning or changing lanes. Use your vehicle’s turn signals when turning, changing lanes, or merging so other drivers know what you are doing and can react accordingly.

Why You Need a Lawyer on Your Side After a Car Accident

No matter how careful you are, avoiding a crash is not always possible. If you were injured in a car accident, an experienced lawyer can help you by:

• Investigating the accident – An attorney can investigate the circumstances of the crash to determine who is at fault, including other drivers, road users, a local agency responsible for road maintenance, or the manufacturer of a faulty car part.
• Gathering solid evidence – Your lawyer may need to collect evidence to build a solid case in your favor, including photos of the accident scene, the police report, surveillance camera footage, and eyewitness statements.
• Negotiating with insurance companies – An attorney can deal with the insurers and other parties on your behalf to increase the chances of getting a fair settlement.
• Filing insurance claims and other paperwork – Your lawyer can prepare and file insurance claims on your behalf and keep track of other necessary paperwork and crucial deadlines.
• Representing you in court – If necessary, a car accident attorney can take your case to trial to help you pursue the maximum compensation you need for your injuries and other losses after a crash.

Contact Our Skilled Car Accident Lawyers Today

With over 40 years of legal experience, the trusted attorneys at The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C., are prepared to help injury victims on Long Island and throughout New York with even the most challenging car accident cases. Contact our skilled car accident lawyers today for a free consultation.