If you live in the Houston area and travel on I-45 or Beltway 8 at all, you know that the intersections of Fairmont and BW8 can be a little dangerous. There are many reasons, but one of the most common are narrow lanes and high traffic volumes. These two busy roads are often used for commuters to the northern end of Houston, and there’s no doubt they can be very congested.
Accidents Within The Greater Houston Area
If you live in the greater Houston area, you’ve probably heard about the number of car crashes and fatalities. Houston also has a lot of red light running accidents. Luckily, pedestrian deaths are down nationwide. But the intersections in Houston are not as safe as they once were.
The most dangerous intersections in Houston are found on some of the city’s busiest highways. There are so many car and pedestrian accidents on these roads that the Texas Department of Transportation created a list of the ten most dangerous intersections in the Houston metro area.
The top spot on the list goes to the intersection of Bellaire and South Gessner. This intersection has the highest accident rate of any intersection on the list. Another interesting fact is that 17 percent of the families living near this intersection don’t own a car.
During four years, there were 279 intersections in the Houston area that had at least 48 collisions. These include freeways, highways, interstates, and city streets.
One of the more common causes of these accidents is intoxicated drivers. They may not know when to stop, or they may fail to react when a car or bike is approaching. Also, not everyone obeys traffic laws. Pedestrians and bicyclists are more susceptible to injuries and death in these accidents.
Another significant hazard is the vast and steep inclines at many intersections. Drivers can’t see their surroundings when these intersections are in use.
What Are the Dangers of Intersections
There are a lot of dangers that exist at intersections. Drivers can run red lights, and pedestrians cannot see crossing signs. Speeding is another factor that can contribute to dangerous intersections. Some intersections have atypical road designs, and some have low visibility because of trees.
The University of Houston conducted a study to identify the most dangerous neighborhood intersections in Harris County. They found that intersections near schools were the most hazardous. They also analyzed crash data from the last five years. In this time frame, collisions at these intersections increased.
A team of University of Houston students, led by associate professor of mechanical engineering Ashutosh Agrawal, studied these intersections. Their findings reveal that drivers are at a higher risk of being in an accident at these intersections. Another factor contributing to the high number of accidents was that these intersections were often located close to schools.
Another danger at intersections is more room for vehicles to pass through safely. These roadways are often narrow and have steep inclines, making it difficult for a driver to have a clear view. This can lead to the risk of a T-bone crash.
The study also included input from advocacy groups, including BikeHouston. The researchers hoped their findings would be helpful to county officials.
Houston has always had a problem with traffic deaths, but the problem has gotten worse over the past few years. An annual average of 640 people die on roads throughout the Houston area.
Beamer-Scarsdale
Located in the southwest – Ellington neighborhood of Houston, this intersection has a lot going for it. Among other things, Beamer is home to a CVS anchored center, a few upscale restaurants, and the San Jacinto College South campus. It’s also within walking distance of the city’s more famous park, Sagemeadow. Despite all that, it’s still one of the city’s busiest corners. As a result, it’s no surprise that several accidents are reported daily. For instance, a man was fatally struck by a vehicle at Fuqua Street and Beamer Road intersection last week.
Aside from the traffic and pedestrian accidents, the Beamer-Scarsdale intersection has been the site of several technological achievements, including a high-speed automated toll booth and an innovative street furniture design. While some of these innovations have yet to be rolled out to the broader public, the improvements are well worth the wait. Those with an eye for modernization should consider a move to this part of town. And those wishing to avoid the hassles of parking and the associated expenses should look at the alternatives such as the upcoming Beamer-Westpark Boulevard station, which promises to provide a more convenient ride to downtown Houston. This southeastern Houston area is ripe with opportunities for smart growth and a dose of common sense.
I-45 and Beltway 8-South
In Texas, two intersections are among the most dangerous for pedestrians and drivers. Both are in the Houston metro area.
In the first half of 2018, Texas reported 298 pedestrian fatalities. In addition, there were 64,126 car accidents in the Houston area. These collisions represent a seven percent increase over five years.
An intersection is an area where four different directions meet. Pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers are at high risk when they cross a street. It is essential to know the laws that apply to these intersections and take steps to avoid them.
Many pedestrians and cyclists are injured or killed in intersections in Houston. This can be caused by drivers being distracted by their phones or by inattentive drivers. The number of crashes and people injured and killed in Houston is alarming.
When looking at the most dangerous intersections, consider how many pedestrians and vehicles are traveling through the intersection. If there are two lanes, drivers must yield to the walking and cycling crowd. Additionally, wider corners make it easier for cars to turn and decrease the time a pedestrian or cyclist must stop.
Houston’s roads are not designed for traffic volume but are still growing. Increased congestion in the city creates frustration-induced driver error. Drivers need more space to maneuver and can miss stopping signs or other signal lights.
FM 1960
When looking for the most dangerous intersection in Houston, FM 1960 is one of the top choices. This intersection has seen several deaths over the last six months. However, the problem isn’t just about the number of fatalities. Several factors contribute to this area’s high number of crashes and injuries.
One of the most significant reasons for the number of wrecks in this area is inclement weather. Road construction is another factor. Increasing traffic and congestion also increase the odds of a crash occurring. In addition, roads are deteriorated and have numerous potholes.
As of the end of December, FM 1960 had been the site of twelve collisions. Although most accidents are avoidable, some aren’t. The best way to avoid a wreck is to pay attention to the road, take the proper precautions and never drive intoxicated.
Drivers should also be aware that traffic signal lights often must be fixed. Many drivers fail to notice that the light has changed and continue to cross the intersection. Another common cause of wrecks is driver error. Some drivers fail to stop at a stop sign, while others ignore the signal and run into oncoming traffic.
Why You Should Consult With a Car Accident Attorney
If you are a car accident victim, you may have a legal case to sue the other driver. You can also seek compensation from your insurance provider. However, it would help if you never settled with the other party without first consulting with a professional. This will help you get the best settlement possible.
A car accident can cause various losses, from property damage to emotional trauma. In some cases, an accident can even result in the total loss of a vehicle. Not only is it challenging to deal with the aftermath, but it can also be financially draining.
The best way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve is to consult a car accident attorney. They will assist you with your claim and help you avoid pitfalls.
To prove your case, you will need evidence. For example, you may need to provide proof of the other party’s negligence, such as a police report. Another requirement is to provide medical records if you suffered injuries in the crash.
An accident that is more complicated to investigate, such as rideshare, may require a more detailed investigation. Even an accident that is simple to understand, like a fender bender, can lead to severe injuries.
You may also have a more complicated case if you have been involved in an automobile accident on the highway or in a city. A more complex investigation could involve hiring experts to reconstruct the accident scene.
