Turns and Intersection Safety

In 2007, 92 people were killed and 10,092 injured in traffic collisions at intersections in Alberta.  As well, collisions involving pedestrians and vehicles at intersections are the leading cause of injury related death and disability among Alberta road users.  Many of these collisions involved speeding.

This week the Medicine Hat Police Service safety messaging trailer will be reminding drivers to use caution when making a turn or approaching an intersection by displaying the message “Don’t Learn – Intersection Safety – By Accident”.

Drivers should take the following three precautions when approaching and crossing an intersection:

• Scan the intersection and beyond, as you approach with caution.
• Always be 100% prepared to yield.  Keep your foot off the accelerator and covering the brake pad.
• Before proceeding, check for cross-traffic.  Look left, right, left again and continue to scan as you proceed.
• Watch for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
• Before proceeding, make eye contact with other intersection users – including pedestrians.

Anyone interested in providing input on future safety messages to be displayed on the MHPS safety messaging trailer or identify road safety issues that are of concern to them are encouraged to provide their input.