Understanding the most common causes of intersection accidents in San Bernardino is essential for both drivers and pedestrians. With heavy traffic, frequent road construction, and a mix of residential and commercial areas throughout the area, intersections in the city are high-risk zones for collisions. Identifying the common causes of these accidents can help residents stay alert, make safer driving decisions, and reduce the likelihood of crashes.
Knowing what contributes to intersection accidents is also important for determining liability in the event of a crash, making sure victims can pursue rightful compensation. By recognizing these dangers, San Bernardino drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists can take proactive steps to protect themselves and others on the road. These are similar to the most common causes of car accidents in San Bernardino.
Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
One of the most dangerous behaviors at intersections is disregarding traffic signals. Drivers who run red lights or fail to stop at stop signs increase the likelihood of severe T-bone or side-impact collisions. These accidents often result in serious injuries due to the high speed at which vehicles typically travel through intersections. The intersections that tend to have the most accidents in San Bernardino include:
- Highland Avenue & Del Rosa Avenue
- Waterman Avenue & Baseline Street
Failure to Yield the Right of Way
Many intersection accidents in San Bernardino occur when drivers fail to yield. Whether making a left turn in front of oncoming traffic or merging into an intersection without properly checking for pedestrians, failing to yield leads to significant collisions. Common scenarios:
- Drivers making unsafe left turns
- Motorists not yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks
- Failure to yield at four-way stops
Distracted Driving
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), distracted driving contributes to a significant number of accidents in San Bernardino County each year. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, and other distractions take a driver’s attention away from the road, which is extremely dangerous. When approaching intersections, even a split-second distraction can prevent a driver from reacting in time to changing traffic conditions.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding through intersections reduces a driver’s reaction time, making it difficult to stop or avoid collisions. Reckless behaviors such as aggressive lane changes, tailgating, and street racing also increase the risk of intersection crashes.
High-Risk Areas in San Bernardino:
- Interstate 215 interchanges
- Kendall Drive & University Parkway (near Cal State San Bernardino)
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Drunk or drug-impaired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced coordination. DUI-related crashes at intersections are especially deadly due to the unpredictable actions of intoxicated drivers.
San Bernardino has a high rate of DUI-related accidents, particularly on weekends and late at night. To combat drunk driving, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) regularly conducts DUI checkpoints in high-risk areas.
Poor Visibility and Weather Conditions
Fog, heavy rain, and poorly lit intersections can obscure traffic signals, road markings, and other vehicles or pedestrians in the intersection. Drivers who fail to adjust their speed or use proper lighting in such conditions increase the risk of collisions.
Intersections Prone to Weather-Related Accidents:
- Cajon Boulevard (due to mountain fog)
- Tippecanoe Avenue (during rainy seasons)
Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents
San Bernardino is home to a large number of pedestrians and cyclists, particularly near schools, shopping centers, and the downtown areas. When drivers fail to check for pedestrians in crosswalks or misjudge the speed of a cyclist entering an intersection, devastating accidents occur.
High-Risk Pedestrian Zones In San Bernardino:
- Downtown San Bernardino (4th Street & E Street)
- Near San Bernardino Valley College
Improper Lane Usage
Some drivers use turning lanes incorrectly or change lanes abruptly in intersections, leading to confusion and crashes. Improper lane changes or use often result in sideswipe accidents or vehicles colliding while attempting to merge.
Defective Traffic Signals and Road Design Issues
In some cases, intersection accidents occur due to faulty traffic lights, missing road signs, or poorly designed intersections. If the city or county fails to maintain safe roads, or remove road hazards, accident victims may have grounds for a claim against a government entity.
Notable Problem Areas:
- Intersections with inconsistent signal timing
- Areas undergoing construction with unclear detours
