Although it may not be possible to avoid traveling on dangerous roads with a high number of crashes, it is still important to be informed about them. This way you can use extra caution and drive defensively to help reduce the risk of being involved in an accident that may cause serious injuries.

Below, our car accident lawyers in Green Bay discuss some of the most dangerous roadways in and around the area based on local city and county data as well as safe driving habits to avoid a crash. We previously discussed how drivers can stay safe traveling through dangerous intersections in Appleton.

If you have been injured in a crash due to a negligent driver, contact our firm to see how we may be able to help. An initial consultation is 100 percent free and comes with no obligation to move forward.

No Upfront Fees Involved. Ph: (877) 888-5201

High-Risk Roads

The Green Bay area is part of Brown County and North of Appleton. According to a traffic safety report for Brown County released by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), over 6,400 drivers were involved in a crash in 2020, resulting in almost 1,400 injuries and 17 fatalities. December saw the highest number of crashes while July saw the highest number of injuries and fatalities.

While crashes can happen anywhere at any time, there are some roadways that are more prone to accidents than others. Some dangerous roadways in the Green Bay area include:

Military Ave and Mason St

This intersection has a high number of accidents despite the speed limit being 35 miles per hour. The left turn signals for north and southbound traffic only have green or red lights. There is no flashing yellow light for drivers to proceed through the intersection when they do not see approaching traffic.

Most crashes happen because a driver tries to run a yellow or red light. When the light turns yellow, drivers often fail to slow down and brake within a safe distance before reaching the intersection. Drivers tend to increase their speed through the intersection because they are impatient to wait at the light.

Mason St and Packerland Rd

This intersection does not have the highest risk of crashes but it is a heavily trafficked stretch of road. Hundreds of cars travel through the area on a daily basis. The speed limit is also 35 miles per hour, but many drivers decide to speed or fail to adjust their speed during inclement weather.

Most crashes happen because drivers are going too fast for conditions and end up sliding off the road.

Military Ave and U.S.141/Mason St and S.R. 32

These are the Green Bay intersections with the highest risk of alcohol and drug-related crashes. On average, about 141 people in Brown County are injured or killed in a crash involving an impaired driver every year. Drivers who decide to get behind the wheel while impaired by alcohol or drugs can cause serious accidents.

Dousman St and Broadway/Baird St and Mason St

These are especially dangerous roads for cyclists and pedestrians. Within the last five years, 168 cyclists and 242 pedestrians have been injured or killed in an accident in Brown County.

The intersection of Dousman and Broadway is the top area for bicycle-related crashes while Baird and Mason Streets is one of the riskiest intersections for pedestrian-related crashes. If you are on foot or riding a bicycle on these roadways, use extra caution and do not assume that a driver can see you.

Mason St and Packerland Dr/Main Ave and Eights St

These intersections have the greatest number of injuries and fatal crashes involving teen drivers. Both county and statewide, teen drivers are responsible for 21 percent of crashes.

Driving Habits to Reduce the Risk of a Crash

In order to reduce the risk of a crash, it is important to be a responsible driver and practice safe driving every single day. This means driving defensively, especially in highly congested traffic.

How does one drive defensively?

Do not assume that other drivers will be cautious, will see you approaching, or will check their blind spots before merging or changing lanes. Tailgating or following another car too closely often happens in heavily-trafficked areas. Be sure to keep a safe distance between your car and the car in front of you while on the road. Drivers who tailgate can cause a rear-end crash, resulting in serious back and neck injuries.

Following the posted speed limit is another important part of being a defensive driver. Drivers who speed have even less time to react, slow down or come to a full stop as safely as possible.

Additionally, do not engage in distracted driving. Examples include using your cellphone, eating or adjusting the radio or GPS. In Wisconsin, texting while driving is illegal. If you must use your cellphone, be sure to pull over to a safe area, such as a rest area or gas station.

Call Sigman Janssen for Legal Help

If you need legal help after a crash, call Sigman Janssen. We have obtained millions of dollars in compensation for our clients over the years. This includes a recovery of $850,000 for a car crash victim who suffered multiple injuries while at an intersection.

The initial consultation comes at no cost or obligation to you. There are no upfront fees to retain our services. We also do not charge any fees to investigate and work on a case if it is valid.

Free Case Review 24/7. Call (877) 888-5201.

Many crashes happen because of another driver’s actions. Drivers may fail to pay attention to their surroundings or take extra caution when turning, changing lanes, or making other driving maneuvers.

There are still things that can be done to reduce the risk of being involved in a crash, especially when approaching and traveling through a dangerous intersection. Below, we discuss some of the most dangerous intersections in different areas of Appleton and how to reduce your crash risk.

If you or someone you know has been injured due to negligence, reach out to speak with an Appleton-based car accident lawyer today. You may have a right to pursue compensation. The initial consultation is free and if we validate your claim, we charge no upfront fees to take on a case or while we work on your case.

Types of Intersection Crashes

Various types of crashes happen at intersections. Multiple vehicles are coming from opposite directions, crossing each other, or making turns into each other’s paths. The most common intersection crashes are:

• Rear-end crashes, which happen when the lead driver is hit from behind and often by a distracted driver who failed to realize traffic had stopped
• Crashes between two oncoming vehicles at the intersection and vehicles turning left
• Side-impact crashes, which often happen when a driver is attempting to run a red light
• Sideswipe crashes, which involve two vehicles turning at the same exact time
• Crashes that involve other road users, such as pedestrians and bicyclists

Crash-Prone Intersections

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), about one-third of all crashes in the state are intersection-related. In 2019, there was 905 reported intersection crashes in Appleton alone – averaging more than 57 percent of all total crashes in the city for the year.

Some of the most dangerous intersections in the Appleton area include:

The majority of crashes reported are at signalized intersections. Traffic signals are designed to manage the flow of traffic and keep drivers safe. Most drivers obey traffic signals, but those who fail to stop and decide to run a red light can cause serious crashes and injuries.

Intersections with two-way stops make up the second-highest percentage of crashes. A driver may fail to stop at a stop sign or not exercise caution before crossing traffic at an intersection without a stop sign.

Drivers may even dart out across another’s path because they are in hurry or misjudge the speed of the other vehicle approaching. This increases the likelihood of a crash.

E Calumet St and Stoney Brook Rd

This intersection is located on the city’s southeast side. Drivers often fail to slow down when approaching the traffic light. They may be speeding or distracted, not allowing themselves enough time to stop. A lot of rear-end crashes happen at this intersection.

E Franklin St and N Morrison St

This is a risky intersection for pedestrians. If you are on foot, be sure to keep a lookout for approaching vehicles. It is important to use designated crosswalks and not assume that a driver can see you.

W Northland Ave and N Richmond St

This major intersection on Appleton’s north side, which features a roundabout, is considered the most dangerous. The city has made improvements to help increase safety, including adding separate right-turn lanes, upgrading traffic signals and installing new road signs. However, this intersection still has the most crashes and highest ratio of crashes per vehicle because drivers fail to yield or decide to speed.

Tips to Reduce Crashes at Intersections

Certain safety practices you can follow to reduce the risk of a crash at an intersection include:

• Avoid checking or using your cellphone at intersections
• Do not change lanes in the middle of an intersection
• Watch for pedestrians and bicyclists and attempt to make eye contact
• Leave enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you
• Use your turn signal to indicate your intentions to other road users
• Do not speed up and attempt to beat a light turning red
• Always check for oncoming traffic before making a turn
• Abide by the right-of-way rules

Find Out if You Have a Case

Even the safest drivers cannot control what others do. If you have been involved in a crash, Sigman Janssen is ready to help. We know what it takes to conduct an investigation and gather evidence to build a strong case for compensation. Our firm has a proven track record of handling car accident cases.

Our consultations are complimentary and confidential. You are not obligated after this initial meeting to retain our services, but if you do, there are zero upfront costs to you.

Give us a call today for help. Ph: (877) 888-5201