Airdrie Municipal Enforcement has declared January as Intersection Safety Month – a time to remind road users to exercise caution and common sense, and heed traffic safety rules when approaching an intersection.
According to a City press release, intersections are busy, high-traffic areas, and can easily become a source of injuries or fatalities if not accessed safely.
“Have you become complacent when entering an intersection?” the release asks. “Bad habits can develop as we hurry through our daily lives but forgetting about basic safety can cost you more than time.”
Brad Tomlinson, community peace officer who has worked with the City for more than eight years, said in his eyes, January is the ideal month to highlight intersection safety, as a lot of people are experiencing “post-holiday fatigue.”
“We get a little bit complacent going into the new year,” he explained to the Airdrie City View. “You're back to work. Winter driving is a factor as well. Whether it’s warm or cold, there’s snow and debris that needs to be cleaned off our vehicle in the morning. The diligence sometimes slips away from us.”
Throughout January, he said the City is hoping to bring awareness to intersection safety for both pedestrians and motorists, instructing everyone on how to properly approach an intersection.
“Paying extra attention this time of year, as any time of year, but post-holidays is an extra good time to focus on it,” he said.
Tomlinson stated taking the extra time to be diligent at any intersection, not just the major ones on busier roads, is important for everyone to consider.
“As we come to an intersection, take the time to make eye contact with other drivers and make those smart decisions so we can avoid extra collisions,” he said.
He added that shorter winter days mean sunrises and sunsets can potentially interfere with visibility, so taking added precautions is important to avoid collisions.
“This time of year, take the time in the morning before we even get into our vehicles,” he said. “If it’s snowed, or if there’s a lot of debris, clear headlights and our windshield properly before we're on the road.
“In the intersection, when you can’t make out someone’s headlights or signal lights, it’s a lot harder to tell what they’re going to do.”
According to Airdrie RCMP statistics, there were a total of 124 motor vehicle collisions in the municipality in 2022, including 17 injuries, and 107 collisions incurring property damage. These statistics were down from 2018 however, when there was a total of 170 motor vehicle collisions that year.
Tomlinson advised drivers to always look before proceeding through an intersection, to watch for other drivers and pedestrians, and ensure it is safe to turn left before doing so.
“As we approach an intersection, if there’s a yellow light, an important reminder that amber is there to clear the intersection of the people finishing their left turns,” he said.
“If you don’t have time to stop and you end up in the intersection, that’s one thing, but if you do have the time to stop, make your stop.”
He added that Airdronians must obey traffic signs and signals, and fully stop at red lights and stop signs, even when turning right.
“If you’re approaching a red light, you do still have to stop before you turn right – that’s a big one,” he said. “We need to take extra time to stop and keep an eye out for pedestrians as well, entering the sidewalk.”
He pointed out a lot of people make the habit of turning right at a red light without coming to a complete stop. “It’s a big thing for pedestrian collisions,” he said.
On the pedestrian side of things, those who aren’t in a vehicle are encouraged to make eye contact with drivers and ensure they are seen, extending their arm and pointing in the direction they wish to proceed, and showing drivers they intend to enter a crosswalk.
The City’s press release also suggests at three- and four-way stops, that the vehicle arriving first should proceed first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right should proceed first.
The release also encourages residents to leave ample room between their vehicle and the vehicle in front of them.
“Be prepared for the unexpected – pedestrians, changing lights, slippery road conditions, or even other drivers,” the release concluded.
Those interested in learning more about intersection rules are encouraged to visit alberta.ca/intersection-rules.aspx
