Road safety
How to prevent intersection collisions by controlling speed and making eye contact with other road users when possible.
Smooth driving at intersections hinges on deliberate speed control and brief, purposeful eye contact with pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers to establish mutual awareness, reduce uncertainty, and prevent sudden movements that lead to crashes.
Published by
Justin Walker
July 19, 2025 - 3 min Read
When approaching intersections, the safest strategy starts with reducing speed early and maintaining a steady pace that allows time to assess risk. Slowing down not only improves reaction capacity but also communicates intent to other road users. Drivers who decelerate gradually signal courtesy and confidence, inviting pedestrians and cyclists to proceed with clarity. At controlled crossings, speed should align with signal timing, while at unsignalized junctions, the emphasis shifts to scanning for cross traffic and turning vehicles. The goal is to create a predictable flow that minimizes surprise, giving everyone a chance to respond.
Eye contact is a practical tool for bridging uncertainty at intersections. A brief, deliberate glance toward a pedestrian, cyclist, or turning vehicle offers nonverbal confirmation that both parties recognize each other’s presence. This small cue can prevent misinterpretation of intentions, such as a vehicle waiting to turn versus accelerating through a crosswalk. Eye contact works best when combined with deliberate signaling: clear indicators, predictable positioning, and conscious restraint from aggressive maneuvers. When visibility is limited, relying on mirrors and postures that communicate intent becomes even more crucial for safety.
Learn to estimate others’ intentions through timing, speed, and posture.
Before entering an intersection, scan from left to right and then check behind to understand how other drivers and pedestrians approach. This comprehensive view helps identify potential hazards such as turning vehicles that may obscure their path, cyclists weaving between lanes, or pedestrians stepping off curbs. The momentary delay caused by a careful scan is a worthwhile trade-off for preventing a contested decision further ahead. In congested areas, the duty to manage speed along with awareness becomes a daily routine. Prioritizing visibility reduces the chance of last minute swerves or abrupt stops that cause chain reactions.
The practice of controlling speed at critical points should extend beyond the main signal. Slow down as you approach narrow streets, driveways, or complex merges where vehicles may enter unexpectedly. Positioning your vehicle to maintain a lane with ample buffer space communicates readiness to yield if necessary. It’s essential to avoid trailing too closely behind other cars, which erases reaction time. Instead, create space that allows you to react to sudden turns or pedestrians stepping into the roadway. Consistent speed discipline across the approach strengthens overall traffic stability.
Practice deliberate looking to improve recognition and response times.
Intent indicators vary across users; a left turn signal, a slight drift toward the centerline, or a rider’s hand signaling a stop can reveal what lies ahead. Interpreting these cues requires patience and attention. If a driver lingers at an intersection, it may indicate an uncertain decision, not necessarily a lack of judgment. When a pedestrian makes eye contact then steps into the crosswalk, it is confirmation that they expect you to yield. Similarly, a cyclist glances toward you as they prepare to merge, signaling they acknowledge your presence and will adapt accordingly.
The psychology of intersection safety includes minimizing speed variance among road users. Abrupt accelerations or decelerations around crossings increase the risk of collisions with those who are slower or in a vulnerable position. Maintaining a consistent rhythm helps pedestrians and other drivers predict your behavior. This predictability fosters cooperation rather than confrontation. It also minimizes the cognitive load required to track several moving entities simultaneously. When people feel they can anticipate outcomes, they are less likely to react emotionally or impulsively, which reduces crash potential.
Emphasize smooth, predictable actions over aggressive responses.
Deliberate looking means more than a quick glance; it involves purposeful scanning for cyclists riding beside or pedestrians stepping out from between parked cars. To enhance detection, adjust your gaze to anticipate movements rather than chase immediate threats. Keep your head up and eyes focused ahead while still glancing at potential hazards. This habit translates into valuable reaction time if the unexpected occurs. A steady line of sight allows you to observe turning indicators, vehicle gaps, and the subtle cues that suggest someone intends to cross. The result is a calmer, safer approach to every intersection.
When visibility is compromised by weather, glare, or crowded lanes, reduce speed further and increase following distance. The extra space acts as a cushion for delayed braking or sudden evasive actions by others. It also provides an opportunity to reassess the situation as conditions change. Communicating intention becomes even more important in poor visibility; use lights or signals consistently so others can predict your movements. Eye contact remains relevant where feasible, but it must be supported by clear signals and a slower, more controlled driving style.
Apply practical routines that make safer choices automatic.
A smooth driving pattern reduces the chances of surprise at intersections. Acceleration, deceleration, and turning should follow a predictable tempo that others can anticipate. Erratic or abrupt movements send mixed messages, prompting pedestrians or drivers to second-guess your intentions. By keeping steering inputs gentle and controlled, you convey confidence and reduce the likelihood of sudden lane changes. The objective is to minimize the cognitive load for others as they navigate the crossing. Predictability is a universal safety language that lowers risk for everyone involved.
Adapting to multi-modal traffic is essential at complex junctions. Bicycles, scooters, and pedestrians each have different motion characteristics, which can complicate decisions. Recognize that pedestrians might start walking later than expected or cyclists may overtake from the curbside. Your speed and eye contact strategies should be flexible enough to accommodate these variations. Acknowledging diversity in road users helps you maintain a safe tempo, avoiding miscommunications that could lead to a collision.
Develop a pre-approach checklist that includes: reduce speed, check mirrors, signal your intent, and scan for hidden hazards. Regular use of this routine creates a mental habit that adapts to changing environments. When you reach the intersection, a calm, deliberate gaze toward potential contact points communicates readiness to yield. This practice should be ingrained in daily driving so it becomes automatic, not forced. Consistency builds confidence for you and reduces stress for others who share the road with you.
Finally, continuous practice with safe behaviors reinforces memory and response. Reflect on near-miss experiences to identify where speed or gaze could have altered outcomes, then adjust accordingly. Training sessions, even brief ones, can reinforce proper techniques for controlled stopping and eye contact. Sharing lessons with passengers also reinforces safe norms. By embedding these strategies—speed control, eye contact, and calm decision-making—into your driving repertoire, you contribute to safer intersections for everyone on the road.
