How Local Road Design in Montgomery County Contributes to Dangerous Intersection Crashes

Car accidents are usually caused by driver inattention, poor decision-making, or vehicle defects. What many of us fail to consider is that the design of the roads on which we travel also plays a role. Lane width, shoulder depth, and even the lighting or signage on a road or highway can either create a more or less dangerous environment for drivers.

Unfortunately, local road design in Montgomery County leaves something to be desired, making it more difficult to react to changes in conditions or traffic patterns. Dangerous intersections in our area also often contribute to the number of accidents experienced each year.

When the road design of Montgomery County intersections is a reason you are suffering an injury following an accident, contact Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. to set up a free consultation. Reach out to our office today.

What Are Some of the Most Common Roadway Design Flaws?

Sharp curves and narrow lanes, especially as they approach an intersecting road or highway, make for poorly designed and unnecessarily dangerous roads. Especially for drivers who are unfamiliar with our area, it is not difficult to see a situation where an out-of-town driver approaches a road with a sharp curve only to find that he or she cannot decelerate fast enough. Taking a turn at a high rate of speed risks the well-being of that driver as well as the motorists around them.

Additionally, the famously narrow lanes of Montgomery County roads are made even less navigable during poor weather or the seemingly never-ending periods of construction. Due to our cold falls, winters and springs, construction crews are typically only able to work in the warmer months in the middle of the year. This means a great deal of work must be performed in a relatively short period of time.

Consider also that Montgomery County intersections combine the risks of narrow lanes with unclear markings and complex interchanges. Drivers in our area can make mistakes quite easily when approaching one of them. Traffic signals are poorly timed in many cases, too, leading to multiple vehicles being within the intersection at one time. Pedestrians and cyclists need to be especially aware of the risks of entering an intersection in Montgomery County.

What Impact Do the Poorly Designed Intersections of Montgomery County Have on Drivers?

Design flaws of Montgomery County intersections cause drivers to feel wary of proceeding with confidence. As a result, you will find that drivers tend to hesitate because they are unsure of how to proceed. This is owed in large part to intersections being insufficiently marked with sometimes temporary dividing lines. It is impossible to always be able to anticipate the decisions of a fellow driver.

Lighting and signage issues have long been issues faced by Montgomery County motorists. Appropriate signage is important to alert drivers to upcoming hazards and possible detour routes. These dangers could be avoided with relative ease. However, because the signage can be improperly planned and lighted in many cases, a driver may have to make last-second decisions to try and avoid a collision.

Each of us drives better when we are calm. Being familiar with a route can create a sense of calmness that allows you to operate your vehicle more competently. However, when on an unfamiliar road, that level of serenity dissipates quickly. The same goes for those drivers who are familiar with the area but are having trouble seeing the intersection due to poor lighting.

Drivers Zipping Through Montgomery County Roads Contribute Significantly to Roadway Accidents

A common complaint heard by the legal team at Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. is that the roads here in Montgomery County do not contain enough speed control devices. Examples of these devices include speed bumps and even signs showing a digital display of your speed. The effect of these speed control measures is to slow down vehicles.

That said, an unfortunate reality for municipalities across Pennsylvania is that speed control measures are not at the top of their priority lists. Whether a roadway design could be a contributing factor to the accident that caused your injuries is a question best determined in an analysis performed by a skilled Montgomery County car accident attorney.

Consider the Area in Which the Intersection Is Located To Determine Whether Its Design Is Functional

The roads we travel on each day in Montgomery County should match the needs of that particular community. Consider the intersection located around an elementary school. A school with young children nearby should encourage roadway planners to figure out how to keep children away from the road. Additionally, drivers should not be in a position to get their vehicles up to anything approaching a high rate of speed.

If an intersection is poorly designed, it likely does not account for pedestrian or cyclist traffic. However, vehicles must share the roadway with pedestrians and cyclists.

Contact A Montgomery County Car Accident Attorney For More Help Navigating A Car Accident Case

Do not assume that once your claim has been reported to the at-fault insurance company, there is nothing else you can do. This is a major mistake. Instead, contact Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. to see how our team of legal professionals can turn a complex personal injury claim into something that you can feel confident proceeding with. A consultation with our legal team is free of charge.