It turns out, the most dangerous place to drive is closer to home than you might think. Rather than winding cliff-faced roads or high-speed highways, more collisions and deaths occur each year at this little-known, under-appreciated location: the common intersection.

In fact, more than 2 million collisions will occur at intersections this year. That’s close to 40% of all traffic accidents in the U.S., which is a substantial slice of the car crash pie.

The Deadliest Place in Town?

Intersections are a deadly place to be. More than 6,500 people die in intersection collisions annually, killing drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians all across the country. Whether it’s an urban stoplight or a 4-way stop in the suburbs, the intersection is no place to let your guard down. Every single intersection can be considered the deadliest place in town.

Why? Why are intersections such a hazard? The National Safety Council attributes the majority of collisions to the following circumstances:

• Failing to scan intersections properly on approach
• Following other vehicles too closely
• Signaling improperly
• Misjudging the speed and distance of other vehicles
• Turning improperly
• Driving aggressively, including speeding and running red lights

What You Can Do

Although many drivers will fail to practice safe driving as they pass through intersections, those that read this drivers blog will be able to affect some change.

First of all, you can drive in an attentive, defensive mode. In other words, drive as if everyone else is out to get you! Expect other drivers to speed up through yellow lights, run red lights, tailgate, switch lanes erratically, etc. Stay alert and don’t get caught off guard.

You can also teach your friends and family to do the same. By driving smart, you are already being a good influence. You are teaching by doing. You can also point out the dangers of those who speed, tailgate, fail to signal and make other common mistakes. Or, discuss what to watch out for and the best way to deal with each situation.

It’s a dangerous world out there, especially for new drivers. So stay alert and drive safe no matter where you are, and take extra caution when approaching an intersection.