August – Intersection Safety Month
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service recognizes August as Intersection Safety Month. According to the National Collision Database, 27 percent of traffic fatalities and 41 percent of serious injuries occurred at intersections in Canada in 2020.
The Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals says that “Collisions and injuries –some of them fatal – very often occur at intersections. The victims are usually the most vulnerable road users (i.e., children, older pedestrians, and bicyclists). If not killed outright, victims can suffer serious and sometimes devastating, lifelong injury.”
With that in mind, here are some tips for keeping yourself – and others – safe at intersections:
Tips for Drivers
- Stop for all pedestrians crossing in a crosswalk – it’s the law.
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians at intersections, even when there is no marked crosswalk.
- Make eye contact with pedestrians.
- Wait until the pedestrian has completely cleared the intersection before proceeding.
- Make a full stop at red lights and stop signs, even when turning right.
- When turning left at an intersection, check to your left to make sure there are no pedestrians.
- Make sure your windshield and headlights are clean and don’t obstruct your view.
- Drive at a safe speed and be aware of pedestrian activity around you.
- Never pass a vehicle at a crosswalk.
- Don’t park within five metres of a marked crosswalk or intersection.
- When turning right, check both ways to ensure there are no pedestrians nearby.
Tips for Pedestrians
- Always use crosswalks and pedestrian crossovers when they are available.
- Look both ways before crossing and only proceed when it is safe to do so.
- Make eye contact with nearby drivers before crossing.
- Don’t be distracted – put your phone away and remove your headphones when crossing the street.
- Wear reflective or brightly-coloured clothing to be more visible.
Follow @SaultPolice on social media throughout Intersection Safety Month for tips and recommendations to keep our roadways safe.
Sources:
Intersection Safety – The Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals (CARSP)
RCMP reminding drivers about intersection-safety | Royal Canadian Mounted Police (rcmp-grc.gc.ca)