Schuelke Law Emphasizes the Risk of Intersection Car Accidents

An October car accident at the intersection of Thomas Springs Road and West State Highway 71 left one person dead. The accident is one of many that underscores the importance of safe travel near intersections. 

The crash occurred in the morning hours on October 18, 2024. Emergency responders from the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Service (ATCEMS) arrived to provide aid. At least one injured person was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Between 2017 and 2021, 26,879 fatal and serious injury crashes took place at Texas intersections, according to the Texas Strategic Highway Safety Plan. Of all traffic deaths in that period, 21 percent – more than one in five – occurred in a crash at an intersection. These accidents claimed more than 4,100 lives. 

At an intersection, drivers must slow down, obey traffic signals, and pay attention to their surroundings. Spotting other cars, bicyclists, motorcycles, and pedestrians is essential to avoid a crash. 

According to the Texas Strategic Highway Safety Plan, factors in fatal and serious injury crashes at Texas intersections include:

• Failure to yield the right of way. A driver failing to yield the right of way to another vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or pedestrian occurred in 33 percent of fatal and injury-causing intersection crashes.
• Speeding. Going too fast for the speed limit or too fast for conditions was a factor in 23 percent of deadly and injurious Texas intersection collisions.
• Disregarding a signal or light, such as running a stop sign, contributed to 22 percent of fatal and injury-causing collisions in Texas intersections.
• Driver distraction was a factor in 16 percent of Texas intersection crashes that caused at least one injury or fatality.
• Drivers impaired by alcohol or other substances were involved in 14 percent of all Texas intersection crashes that caused death or injury. 

Intersection crashes are more common in urban areas (70 percent) than in rural areas (30 percent). Signs, signals, and lights seem to help: Only one in three intersection crashes occurred at an intersection that had traffic signals. 

“Intersections can be dangerous,” warns experienced Austin personal injury lawyer Brooks Schuelke. “After a crash, seeking experienced legal advice is important.”