How Glendale Traffic Patterns Contribute to Accidents – And What You Can Do to Stay Safe

It’s no secret that some streets in Glendale have more accidents and close calls than others. While a good legal team like the Brand Law Group can help you with personal injury claims, it’s better to avoid accidents whenever possible.

Dangerous Streets and How They Get That Way

A survey of Glendale streets and freeways found that the most hazardous areas in the city are the major intersections and freeway on/off ramps. Intersections are always dangerous, since they involve cars going in many directions, people looking the opposite way from where they’re turning, and numerous distractions. According to surveys, top danger spots include:

·       Brand Blvd. and Sanchez Dr.

·       Brand Blvd. and Goode Ave.

·       Colorado St. and Brand Blvd.

·       Glenoaks Blvd. and Western Ave.

·       Glendale Ave. and Wilson Ave.

The Brand/Sanchez and Brand/Goode intersections are also on/off ramps for the Ventura Freeway. Onramps and intersections are dangerous combinations, leading to people running lights or being trapped in the intersection when lights change.

Other traffic issues that lead to problems along major Glendale roadways include:

• High traffic volume along Brand and Colorado, leading to congested roads at all hours

• A high density of shopping centers. Many of the most high-risk areas are located in and around the Galleria, the Americana, and the malls along Glendale Ave.

• Construction and roadwork. Is there ever a time when California roads are not under construction?

• Roadwork leads to traffic, which leads to accidents.

How to Avoid Accidents

If you live and work in Glendale, you probably travel on one or more of the main streets. Avoiding accidents can be as simple as taking alternate routes to work, especially on high-traffic days or bad weather when the risk of accidents is high. If that isn’t possible, you can protect yourself and your passengers with some common-sense driving tips.

• Avoid distracted driving. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA), distracted driving is the number two cause of accidents after DUI. Texting and driving is at least as dangerous as drinking and driving. Since you can’t know if other people are obeying the law, follow California’s texting and driving laws and keep both hands on the wheel.

• Obey traffic signals. Avoid the temptation to run the red light or make a quick left on a red arrow. Again, it’s impossible to know what the oncoming driver may do. Waiting a few minutes or listening to someone honk behind you is better than getting t-boned by someone zooming through an intersection.

• Slow down. Excessive speed is responsible for most Glendale accidents. Even if you are not at fault, slowing down means your injuries may be less serious.

• Use extra care at night. Pedestrians are harder to see, as are bicycles, motorcycles, and cars without ultra-high-beam headlights. Rain, fog, and dust from construction sites can make lights hard to see.

If you are involved in an accident, you need legal assistance from the attorneys at the Brand Law Group. We can help you get the compensation you deserve after your accident. Contact us today to discuss your case.