Navigating Pennsylvania roadways by way of a motor vehicle can be stressful. Inexperienced drivers, in particular, may feel overwhelmed in traffic or start to panic if an issue arises that places them at risk for a collision. No matter how skilled or experienced a driver happens to be, certain driving situations are often dangerous, such as approaching an intersection.
It is always best to anticipate danger at an intersection. If a driver assumes that all other motorists or pedestrians in the area can see him or her, he or she may be sorely mistaken. It is also not a good idea to assume that those sharing the road are going to adhere to traffic and safety laws. To stay as safe as possible at a crossroad, it is wise to expect potential trouble and proceed with caution.
If an intersection is secured, it means there are traffic lights or stop signs to regulate traffic flow. However, just because a light turns green, for instance, does not necessarily mean it is safe to enter the crossroad. Many collisions occur because of driver negligence or reckless behavior, such as a driver failing to stop at a red light. This is why it pays to pause and carefully scan surroundings before entering an intersection under any circumstances.
Sometimes, confusion may arise regarding which driver has the right of way at a Pennsylvania intersection. To avoid a collision, it is always best to yield if one is unsure. Even if a driver knows that he or she has a right of way, if there appears to be a problem, it is best to allow another driver to go first. Intersection collisions often result in serious injuries, which is why the state allows recovering victims to seek restitution against those deemed responsible.
