Intersections are some of the most dangerous points on the roadway for drivers in Virginia. Due to the geometrics of a typical intersection, T-bone-type crashes are often a risk.
One change that could possibly lower the risk profile at intersections is to build roundabouts instead. In Minnesota, the Department of Transportation studied 144 urban and rural roundabouts. The study showed that fatal accidents dropped by 86 percent after the construction of roundabouts at these intersections. Regarding accidents involving bodily harm, crashes causing serious injury declined by 83 percent and all-injury crashes fell by 61 percent at roundabouts with a single lane.
On the other hand, property damage crashes, in which cars are damaged but people suffer no bodily injuries, escalated with the construction roundabouts. While these accidents can be concerning, they are much less damaging to human life and health. When looking at reasons for the results, researchers found that the elimination of T-bone accidents was a major contributor to the fall in fatal crashes. These accidents, which are rendered impossible by the physical structure of roundabouts, can be devastating.
As traffic engineers work to improve the safety of the physical infrastructure of the roadways, drivers and passengers continue to face major threats from distracted driving, drunk driving and other dangerous behavior. An individual who has suffered personal injuries due to a negligent motorist can consult with a personal injury lawyer. Lawyers can help car accident victims to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages incurred as a result.