What Is a Broadside and T-Bone Collision?
Broadside and T-Bone are oftentimes used interchangeably. These collisions are typically when one person slams into another car on either side at a high speed. The reason it’s called a “T-Bone” is that the two cars form the letter T when they meet on impact. Either driver can be at fault for the accident since one of the following can occur:- A driver does not stop for oncoming traffic
- A driver runs a red light or stop sign and hits the other car
Where Do Most Broadside or T-Bone Accidents Take Place?
Most broadside or T-bone accidents occur at intersections since this is where other drivers have the chance to cross more frequently. Intersections are more dangerous in their design for this very reason, which is why some intersections have transformed into roundabouts to establish a better flow of oncoming traffic. Sometimes broadside or T-bone collisions are not the fault of a distracted driver. Even safe drivers can make mistakes at intersections either by a bad judgment in time or due to certain blind spots in their vehicles. If the intersection is a 4-way stop without a light, it can also be confusing to some drivers to know whose turn it is to go and when. There is also the left-handed turn to take at intersections. Left-handed turns require drivers to meet both lanes of traffic instead of just one while making a right-handed turn. If drivers are not careful to look both ways and make sure there’s no oncoming traffic, this could result in a broadside or T-bone accident.How To Reduce Your Chance of Being in An Accident
Although it’s impossible to say whether there is something you can do to never be in a broadside or T-bone accident, there are actions you can take to greatly reduce the risk of being involved in an accident in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.Time of Day
Rush hour gets its name for a valid reason. The time of day you drive and arrive at an intersection can greatly reduce or lower your chances of being T-boned by traffic. Night timeframes between 5 and 7 pm tend to be the most dangerous since people are getting off work, going to socialize with friends, or are coming home from their night out. Another busy time is Saturday nights. Saturdays tend to be the most dangerous day to drive since most people are off work, have plans, and are out on the road going place to place. If there is a common busy intersection near you, pay attention to the days and times it gets most crowded so you can prepare ahead of time.Time of the Year
August tends to be the month when car accidents are the highest. This is because school starts up again, and there will be several parents driving their kids to and from school, as well as inexperienced teenagers driving themselves.Be Extra Vigilant (And Study Up)
Wherever you’re driving, keeping a constant watch on your surroundings can help prevent accidents of any kind from happening. You should remain vigilant and consistently check your side and rearview mirrors. If you approach an intersection that does not have a traffic light, remember the rules:- The first person to appear at the stop sign has the right of way
- If two people appear at the same time, the person to the right has the right of way
