How can drivers best avoid collisions at intersections?

Looking both ways and obeying traffic signals and signs is the most effective method for drivers to avoid collisions at intersections. This practice ensures that drivers are aware of the traffic environment around them, allowing them to respond appropriately to other vehicles, pedestrians, and changing traffic signals. By thoroughly checking for oncoming traffic and acknowledging stop signs or yield signs, drivers can make informed decisions about when it is safe to proceed through the intersection.

Understanding and adhering to the rules of the road is crucial in intersections, as they are common locations for accidents due to the convergence of multiple pathways. This choice emphasizes the importance of situational awareness and compliance with traffic regulations, key components in preventing dangerous situations that could lead to collisions.

Moving quickly to cross before the light changes, or driving on the sidewalk, suggests risky behaviors that could endanger not just the driver, but also pedestrians and other motorists. Regularly checking mirrors and blind spots is important for overall safe driving but does not address the specific dynamics of navigation at intersections as directly as following traffic signals and observing for cross traffic.