Government of Alberta

January 8, 2010
Play it safe at intersections, especially in winter

Edmonton... Busy intersections are potential danger zones where vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists can come together in unexpected ways.  

 Almost half of all collisions occur at intersections. In 2008, 89 people were killed and 9,134 people were injured in collisions at intersections in Alberta. Speeding, running red lights and failing to yield to pedestrians can have tragic consequences. Motorists must be extra cautious when approaching and driving through intersections, especially in winter when roads can be icy or slippery. 

 The following tips will help you drive more safely through intersections.

• At intersections controlled by a stop sign, drivers are required to come to a complete stop before proceeding. This gives drivers the opportunity to look for traffic from the sides and straight ahead, as well as pedestrians and cyclists.
• Do not block intersections so that other traffic may proceed when the light changes.
• If a traffic light is changing from green to amber — slow down, cover your brake and prepare to stop.
• When vehicles arrive at an intersection controlled by four-way stop signs, allow the vehicle that arrived first to proceed first. If vehicles arrive at approximately the same time, allow the vehicle on the right to proceed, while left-turning vehicles yield to approaching traffic.
• Slow down when approaching an uncontrolled intersection. Make sure to check left, centre and right for traffic and be prepared to stop. Yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
• Slippery roads and limited visibility are common in winter, so adjust your speed for the conditions. Avoid tail-gating other motorists and give yourself more time to stop safely.
• Pedestrians always have the right of way at intersections unless otherwise indicated.
• Be patient — give elderly and disabled people more time to cross the road.
• Be aware of and prepare to yield to pedestrians who indicate they intend to cross the road.  Pedestrians should extend an arm straight out and point across the road in the direction they intend to cross.
• Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk carries a fine of $575 and four demerit points.

Intersection safety is the focus for January on the Traffic Safety Plan Calendar. Alberta’s Traffic Safety Plan is a comprehensive plan that focuses on education, enforcement, communications, engineering, community engagement and legislation to help make our roads safer.

For more information, contact the Office of Traffic Safety at 780-422-8839 or your regional traffic safety coordinator. To find your local coordinator, visit the Saferoads website at www.saferoads.com and click on Contact Us, then the Regional Traffic Safety Coordinators link on the left-hand side.