Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Edmonton, Alta. – As we enter a new year, Alberta RCMP encourages all roadway users to maintain safe habits. Intersections are high-traffic areas that require motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to exercise caution and maintain Right of Way rules.
The most frequently identified improper driver actions contributing to casualty collisions were: failing to obey a stop sign, failing to stop at a red light, and unsafe left turns.
Alberta RCMP encourages everyone to practice the following intersection #TrafficSafety tips:
Drivers
- Slow down as you approach an intersection, stop and check all traffic before proceeding.
- Obey traffic signs and signals. Make a full stop at red lights and stop signs, even when turning right.
· At a four-way stop, remember the Right of Way rule. You must yield to the vehicle on your right.
- Leave ample room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front. It might stop unexpectedly.
- Use your signal when making turns. Ensure it is safe to turn left before doing so.
· Pedestrians have the right of way in all marked and unmarked crosswalks. Pay attention to pedestrians crossing when making any turns or at an all-way stop.
- Be prepared for the unexpected. Always look for pedestrians, changing lights, slippery road conditions and other drivers before proceeding through an intersection.
- Don’t try to speed up on a yellow light. A yellow light means slow down and prepare to stop.
Pedestrians
· Never jaywalk. Check traffic before crossing and only proceed when it is safe to do so.
· Always use crosswalks and pedestrian-activated signals when they are available.
· Don’t be a distracted pedestrian. Remove headphones; put away cell phones or other electronic devices when crossing the street.
· Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.
“When approaching an intersection, always be prepared for the unexpected. Pay attention to pedestrians, changing lights and other drivers before proceeding through an intersection,” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull. Traffic safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we all have a part to play.
For more traffic safety tips and information, follow #TrafficSafety on our Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and X (formerly Twitter) @RCMPAlberta.