Intersections pose the single greatest risk for both pedestrians and drivers with more than half of traffic fatalities in the country occurring where roads meet.
That’s why for the month of January RCMP in the region are focusing their enforcement efforts on ensuring drivers obey the rules of the road and that pedestrians are educated on what they need to do to stay safe.
Athabasca/Boyle Integrated Traffic Unit (ITU) Sgt. Sonny Kim explained it’s important that everyone takes care at an intersection.
“Drivers need to remember to come to a complete stop when they have to and to slow down when approaching an intersection,” he said.
“Right now, we see lots of vehicles screeching or sliding into the intersection, which has caused more than a few pedestrians to quickly move out of the way. We simply want people to be safe out there.”
Aside from drivers obeying traffic signals like red lights and stop signs – which is a $287 fine and three demerit points, making safe left-hand turns and not speeding, Kim stated motorists need to obey crosswalks and ensure they make eye contact with pedestrians wanting to cross.
Failing to yield to a pedestrian could see you dishing out $575 for the ticket along with earning four demerit points on your licence.
In 2012, Alberta recorded 70 deaths and nearly 8,000 injuries from intersection collisions. Close to 90 per cent of those collisions were caused by driver error. That means being watchful at intersections can mean less risk of being involved in a collision.
That isn’t to say there isn’t some onus on pedestrians, explained Kim.
“Especially in the winter, pedestrians need to be more observant and careful. Using the Point, Pause, Proceed method when crossing the street is the best way to stay safe,” he said.
Another way is not to cross unless you are at an intersection or marked crosswalk as well as not darting across against the light or just as the signal is changing.
Kim added that pedestrians should also avoid texting or wearing headphones while attempting to cross the street, as it is important to remain alert to potential hazards and pay attention to your surroundings.
