Intersection accident diagram: a worked example
Published: 2026-08-07
Intersections concentrate the hardest diagram problems: multiple approaches, turning paths, signals and right-of-way. This worked example — drawn entirely with the free editor — shows a typical failure-to-yield collision and why each element is where it is.
The scenario
V1 (car, plate JKD-582) approaches the four-way intersection from the west. V2 (delivery truck, plate HTR-114) travels through the intersection. V1 enters and strikes V2 — the impact point X1 sits where their paths cross, not on either vehicle.
What makes this diagram readable
Look at the example and notice:
- ▸The 4-way template supplies crosswalks and lane markings for free — context nobody had to draw.
- ▸V1's arrow starts behind the vehicle and traces its approach; the measurement (20 m) records the distance from V1's position to the impact.
- ▸X1 is its own symbol at the crossing point of the paths, so "where did they hit?" needs no interpretation.
- ▸The street name runs along the road like on a map, and the compass pins the orientation.
- ▸The plates print under each vehicle, and again in the export's vehicle table.
Draw this yourself in about five minutes
Open the editor, choose the 4-way crossing template, place two vehicles, rotate V1 toward the intersection, add one arrow each, drop the impact marker where the paths cross, add one measurement and a street name. Export the PDF — the header, vehicle table and legend are added automatically.
Ready to draw your own diagram? The editor is free and needs no account.
Open the free sketch tool