Safety improvements are coming to two James Island intersections – $11 million worth, to be precise.
According to Live 5 News, “Charleston County leaders are working in partnership with the City of Charleston and the Town of James Island to begin construction on two intersections along Fort Johnson Road.” The focus areas will be the intersections of Secessionville Road and Camp Road.
These James Island intersections are known to be dangerous to drivers, with Live 5 News reporting that more than 40 car accidents have been recorded over the last five years by Charleston County officials.
The funds are set to be allocated to adding traffic signals, the creation of dedicated left- and right-turn lanes, and the development of an urban compact roundabout on the Camp Road intersection.
Charleston County construction manager John Martin spoke with Count on 2 News regarding the scheduled improvements and their impact on future road safety.
“I think this will be a significant change, improving safety, it’ll improve the flow; it will slow traffic down, especially at the traffic circle, and lines the intersection better,” Martin said. “Also, with the signalized light, you won’t have people hurry up and get through a stop sign and things of that nature.”
The project is expected to take around 1.5 years to complete, and construction is scheduled to begin this fall.
Understanding Intersection Accidents
Intersecting roadways connect drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike, from one route to the next. While they are a necessary and expected path when traveling, they also represent a hot spot for accidents to happen.
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that roughly 2.5 million intersection accidents occur annually, with 40% of all crashes involving intersections on a national scale.
Three types of accidents can occur at an intersection: unsignalized crashes, signalized crashes, and wrong-way crashes.
Unsignalized Intersection Accidents
Unsignalized intersections are classified as those controlled by a stop sign, a yield sign, or uncontrolled altogether. They are often the most common type of intersection in the United States. In conjunction with signalized intersections, reports indicate that over 12,000 fatalities occurred at an intersection.
Signalized Intersection Accidents
Signalized intersections are those that operate with a traffic signal. Accounting for one-third of all intersection fatalities, one of the major causes of these accidents involves those who run a red light.
Wrong-Way Driving Incidents
A wrong-way driving crash occurs when a vehicle is traveling in opposition to the legal flow of traffic and collides with a car going in the correct direction. Accounting for over 700 fatalities, wrong-way driving incidents are housed under intersection-related accidents because they originate with an “improper maneuver at an intersection,” according to the FHWA.
How Do You Avoid Intersection Accidents?
These James Island intersections, like many others throughout South Carolina and the United States, experience a high volume of traffic and various elements that can result in an accident, such as blind spots.
While you can’t always avoid an accident, some strategies can help make your journey safer when behind the wheel.
Come to a Complete Stop
While it can be tempting to roll through an intersection light or a stop sign, it’s critical to your safety – and the safety of other drivers – to come to a complete stop and look both ways before continuing through the intersection.
Don’t Just Think About Other Vehicles
Sharing the road with other vehicles is second nature to drivers, but it’s important to consider those not on four wheels: pedestrians and bicyclists. Always take crosswalks, designated bicycle lanes, and sidewalks into account while navigating the roadways to avoid potential injuries or accidents.
Practice Intersection Etiquette
Whether you are at a stop-sign-controlled intersection or a signalized intersection, it’s important to practice intersection etiquette. If multiple vehicles reach a 4-way stop at the same time, keep these three rules in mind:
- Always yield to the right
- Straight traffic takes right of way over turning traffic
- Right turn has the right of way over left turns
What Happens When You Can’t Avoid an Intersection Crash?
Accidents are unexpected, and even the best laid plans and preparation can result in an unfortunate outcome.
But don’t worry! Our Charleston car accident attorneys are here to help.
Intersection accidents can be tricky to navigate on your own, with various environmental and personal factors coming into play when dealing with an incident involving another driver.
With the help of a skilled car accident lawyer, we can help you navigate the aftermath of an intersection incident while you focus on what’s most important – your health and recovery.
With offices in Charleston and Georgetown, SC, we are committed to supporting those throughout the Palmetto State. We have established a reputation for success and excellent service!
To meet with a car accident attorney in Charleston, SC, schedule your free consultation today.
For more on local news and car accident claims, explore here:
- James Island Intersection a Hot Spot for Accidents: Community Leaders Forced to Re-Assess
- South Carolina’s Deadliest Highway? I-95 Multi-Car Accident Reminds Us Why It Tops The List
- Maserati Crashes into Deli in Downtown Charleston Early Tuesday Morning
- Mt Pleasant High School Student Struck by Vehicle Raises Safety Concerns
- 3 Dead Following Two Single-Vehicle Crashes in the North Charleston Area
- Hit-and-Run of Motorcycle in Ladson Road Leaves 1 Dead, 1 Injured
- South Carolina Ranks High For Dangerous Drivers
- How Long Does It Take To Settle A Personal Injury Claim in Charleston?
- The Importance of Taking Photos For Evidence After Your Car Accident in Charleston
- What to Do After A Hit and Run in Charleston
- 3 Reasons to Hire a Charleston Car Accident Attorney
- Can I Seek Compensation for Spinal Cord Injuries in Charleston?
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