Posted on 02/07/2011, 12:20 pm, by mySteinbach

Did you know that the likelihood of a collision to occur is far greater at intersections and often times result in serious injuries or even death.

Every day in Manitoba, RCMP Traffic Services and Detachments across the Province respond to collisions at intersections that could have been avoided.

In rural Manitoba, our grid roads intersect at every mile and many roads intersect with our highways thus adding potential for a collision to occur.

When approaching an uncontrolled intersection, the public is reminded to slow down, check left and right for traffic and be prepared to stop. Yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right. Be alert! Other drivers may not be expecting any traffic at the intersection and that could result in a collision.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, drivers are also reminded that they must come to a complete stop, before entering a highway.

In 2010, 25% of fatalities that occurred in rural Manitoba happened at intersections.  Ninety-four percent of these were at controlled intersections with a stop sign or a red light.  About 21% of all injury collisions that occurred in rural Manitoba during the same year were at intersections.

Approximately 28% of all collisions occur at both controlled and uncontrolled intersections.

The fine for failing to stop at a stop sign or red light is $199.80.