Raising awareness about intersection safety
• Drivers simply need to stop on red to avoid preventable injuries and deaths.
• NCSR supports automated enforcement like traffic cameras to discourage red-light running.
Sideswipe collisions
Occur when the sides of two vehicles make an impact.
Causes:
- Distracted, reckless, drowsy, or drunk driving
- Changing lanes without checking blind spots
- Multiple drivers merging into the same space at the same time
- Skidding or hydroplaning on slippery roads.
Sideswipe Collisions: Defensive Driving
- Heeding blind spots can play a decisive role in preventing sideswipe accidents.
- Check mirrors every 8-10 seconds to be aware of vehicles entering and exiting blind spots.
The FMCSA notes the importance of changing lanes smoothly and safely, including:
- Using turn signals well in advance to indicate intent to change lanes.
- Visually scanning for adjacent traffic and road hazards before executing a lane change.
