A broadside collision, also referred to as a T-bone accident, is considered one of the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. Broadside collisions occur when the front of one vehicle crashes directly into the side of another vehicle. In some instances, the side impact depends on the speed of the vehicles, the angle at which they collide, and even the type of vehicle being impacted.
The most common times when broadside collisions occur are at intersections. If a driver fails to completely stop at a red light or disregards the right-of-way of another driver when turning, a broadside collision is likely to happen. Additionally, a driver's failure to quickly and accurately judge the speed of another vehicle can significantly increase the likelihood of a T-bone crash.
High-traffic areas, such as cities and highways, are particularly prone to broadside collisions. Though highways are normally lined with shoulders and dividers to protect from a collision, these dividers may not prevent a side-by-side crash at an intersection or off-ramp. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 82 percent of side-by-side crashes occur at intersections.
Intersections involving a stop sign or a yield sign are some of the most dangerous areas for broadside collisions. This is because drivers may enter the intersection without fully knowing the traffic flow of the other oncoming drivers. As a result, drivers may need to abruptly stop to avoid a collision, potentially leading to a broadside crash.
School zones are another common area for broadside collisions. As schoolchildren enter or leave the school grounds, drivers may be distracted and fail to observe other vehicles entering the intersection. Furthermore, children may enter the street unexpectedly or without fully understanding the complexities of a vehicle traffic flow.
In summary, there are a variety of circumstances that can lead to a broadside collision. Areas of congestion and high traffic, such as cities and highways, often offer the most dangerous conditions for a side-by-side crash. Additionally, intersections and school zones are two primary settings for T-bone collisions. By further understanding the risks associated with broadside crashes, drivers can better assess their surroundings and prevent such a serious crash from occurring.