The Alberta RCMP is ringing in 2022 with tips and reminders around intersection safety.
Intersections are busy, high-traffic areas that require all road users to exercise caution and practice smart driving behaviours, Alberta RCMP said in a press release Jan. 5.
"According to the Government of Alberta, an average of 8,000 people are injured at intersections in Alberta every year. With various road users all travelling in different directions, these points of traffic require extra caution and attention,” Supt. Gary Graham, Alberta RCMP traffic services, said in the release.
“We can reduce the risk of injury or collision by being familiar with, and following, the rules of the road.”
Unsafe left turns, speeding, and violating traffic signals can all result in intersection collisions. RCMP are asking drivers and pedestrians to avoid these common errors and reduce safety risks.
Drivers should obey traffic signs and signals; and make a full stop at red lights and stop signs — even when turning right; yield to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks; and remember the right-of-way-rule — at three- and four-way stops, the vehicle that arrives first should proceed first, while if two vehicles arrive at the same, the vehicle on the right should proceed first, said RCMP.
Tips for pedestrians include: use crosswalks and pedestrian-activated signals; in the absence of crossing lights, wait until all vehicles have come to a complete stop before crossing; stay alert; remove headphones and put away phones or other electronic devices when crossing the street; and be seen — make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you and extend your arm to point in the direction in which you wish to proceed. Wearing bright, reflective gear also helps motorists easily spot you in traffic, RCMP said.
