T-bone accidents, also known as side-impact or broadside collisions, occur when the front of one vehicle collides with the side of another, forming a “T” shape. These accidents are often severe because the sides of vehicles lack the protection that the front and rear offer. So, it is essential to speak to an auto accident lawyer Fort Wayne as soon as you are involved in such an accident.
All drivers need to understand the causes of T-bone accidents and take steps to mitigate them. By adhering to traffic laws, staying focused on the road, driving sober, and adjusting driving behavior to suit road and weather conditions, we can significantly reduce the occurrence of T-bone accidents.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the top six causes of T-Bone accidents.
- Ignoring Traffic Signals
One of the primary causes of T-bone accidents is ignoring traffic signals. When a driver runs a red light or a stop sign, they risk colliding with vehicles that have the right-of-way in the intersection. Remember, adhering to traffic signals is crucial in preventing T-bone accidents.
- Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a significant contributor to all types of motor vehicle accidents, including T-bones. In fact, activities like texting, eating, applying makeup, or fiddling with the radio can divert a driver’s attention from the road, leading to devastating consequences.
- Failure to Yield
Failure to yield the right-of-way at intersections is a common cause of T-bone accidents. This usually happens when a driver misjudges the speed of an oncoming vehicle or simply ignores the need to yield, resulting in a collision.
- Speeding
Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around corners or objects in the roadway, extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle, and increases the distance a vehicle travels while the driver reacts to a situation. When a vehicle at a higher speed enters an intersection, the likelihood of a T-bone accident increases significantly.
- Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination. An impaired driver is more likely to cause a T-bone accident by running red lights, failing to yield, or not noticing other vehicles on the road.
- Poor Visibility
Poor visibility due to weather conditions, obstructions, or inadequate lighting can cause T-bone accidents. In such instances, drivers may not see other vehicles, pedestrians, or traffic signals, leading to collisions.
