Intersections, by their very design, are planned points of conflict. Drivers approaching intersections have a flurry of factors to consider in a split second and someone always has to yield.
The RCMP sees an average of 16 deaths each year in intersection-related collisions. This is 16 deaths too many, yet it is common practice to roll through a stop sign or to try and beat an oncoming vehicle. Those extra few seconds taken to come to a complete stop, assess the intersection thoroughly and proceed only when safe to do so could mean a lifetime of moments will still get to be lived.
In Manitoba, about 70% of rural intersection fatalities happen at locations where side roads meet up with major highways. In the past three years, 17.5% of rural intersection fatalities occurred at junctions along the Trans-Canada Highway alone, and 20% of those involved commercial vehicles, such as semi trucks. These vehicles are not able to come to an immediate stop and carry a lot of weight behind them. All drivers at an intersection need to pay attention and yield to oncoming traffic.
“Intersections are dangerous, plain and simple, but they don’t have to be deadly,” said Inspector Joanne Keeping, Officer in Charge of RCMP “D” Division Traffic Services. “Each and every driver needs to take responsibility and drive with caution.”
- Points to consider when approaching an intersection:
- Stay alert – you have a lot of choices to make
- Complete a full stop at stop signs
- Use your signals to make other drivers aware of your intentions
- Watch for pedestrians
- Maintain a safe stopping distance from the vehicle in front of you – 4 seconds spacing between vehicles on the highway
- Do not speed up at amber lights. Instead, proceed with caution and stop if you can do so safely
- Finish your turn in the correct lane. Do not turn wide into a farther lane or veer in to a closer lane. Complete your turn and then make a safe lane change
- Do not try to “beat” oncoming traffic. Highway speeds are easily misjudged. Wait until the road is clear
- Remember the “rule of the right”: At an uncontrolled intersection, vehicles arriving at the same time will yield to the car to the right
- Even if you have the right of way, be aware of the other vehicles and be prepared
- Only proceed when it is completely safe to do so
Under the Highway Traffic Act, the fine for failing to stop at a stop sign or red light is $203.80.
