Why are intersections often the scene of accidents?

Intersections are frequently the scene of accidents due to visibility being obstructed. This can happen for several reasons, such as the presence of large vehicles, trees, buildings, or signage that may block a driver's line of sight. When visibility is compromised, it becomes more challenging for drivers to anticipate the actions of other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, thus increasing the risk of collisions.

While distractions from devices like phones can contribute to accidents generally, and illegal parking may decrease available road space, neither directly relates to the sightlines at intersections as clearly as obstructed visibility does. The presence of stop signs, although critical for control at intersections, does not inherently lead to accidents; rather, it is their interpretation and adherence by drivers that plays a crucial role. Therefore, visibility issues at intersections represent a significant safety concern that directly contributes to the high incidence of accidents.