| Text Release Date and Time: 2009-12-14 08
December 14 - 20 - Traffic Light Safety
Traffic lights are models of silent efficiency, helping motorists cross
otherwise dangerous intersections with confidence and ease. The signals are
universal, known by everyone from young school children to experienced
drivers.
Red means stop and green means go, repeating in an endless cycle day or
night.
When approaching an intersection, you should always approach traffic lights at
a speed that will allow you to stop if the amber light appears. It is also a
good idea to cover the brake when travelling through an intersection where
some uncertainty exists. This will cut down your reaction time if you have to
stop in a hurry.
Defensive driving habits prepare you for the unexpected. Remember just because the light is green, it doesn't mean its safe. That is why when
approaching an intersection - if you haven't visually confirmed that the
intersection is clear, slow down until you know it is safe to proceed.
If you approach an intersection where the traffic lights are not working, here
are some rules to remember:
- Traffic lights not working - treat the intersection as a four way stop.
Bring your vehicle to a complete stop, look both ways and then proceed when it
is safe to do so. If two vehicles approach the intersection from different
roadways at the same time, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way
to the vehicle to his or her immediate right.
- Flashing red light - Treat the intersection as a four-way stop if the
malfunctioning traffic light is flashing red in all directions. Stop your
vehicle before the crosswalk or white stop line and wait until it's your turn
toproceed. Remember to look both ways and keep an eye out for other vehicles
failing to stop at the light.
- Flashing yellow light - Inoperable traffic lights may also flash yellow.
This is a warning for drivers to proceed with caution. Stay alert and look
both ways before entering the intersection.
- Police officer at intersection - In order to prevent collisions and
maintain traffic flow, police officers are sometimes posted at malfunctioning
traffic lights. In these cases, always follow the instructions of the
officer.
As a reminder to drivers to practice traffic light safety the Medicine Hat
Police Service safety messaging trailer will be displaying "Run a Red - You
Could End Up Dead" between December 14th to 20th, 2009. Section 54(1) of the
Rule of the Road Regulations has a fine of $287.00 for failing to stop for
a red light.
Text Release Date and Time: 2009-12-14 08
For more information please contact:
Sgt Stacey Fishley
Supervisor i/c Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
403-529-8471 |
Office of the Chief
