All paths cross at intersections

guest · 2024-07-19

Transcript for the "All paths cross at intersections" video
0:03
I thought I was driving
0:05
safely keeping an eye out for
0:08
pedestrians and
0:11
cyclists I thought I could make a quick
0:13
left
0:18
turn I was dead wrong
0:21
[Music]

Whether the intersection has stop signs or traffic signals or is a roundabout, all road users' cross paths there. Who should be most alert at intersections? Everyone.

Out of 673 collisions resulting in fatal or major injuries between 2017 and 2021, 57 per cent occurred at or near intersections.

Have you noticed we never refer to collisions as ‘accidents’? That’s because ‘accident’ implies it was not anticipated and could not be prevented. But the fatal and major injury collisions that happen on our roads are almost entirely preventable with safer road use behaviour, especially by drivers since vehicles can inflict the most harm.

Safety tips

Here is some advice for safe intersection use.

For drivers

Do not stop in crosswalks since that forces pedestrians into traffic
Look both ways even on one-way streets because there may be sidewalks or multi-use paths with people coming from either direction
When making a left turn, watch for motorcycles in the opposing lane – their speed and distance can be hard to judge
Only proceed through an intersection if the way is clear and you have plenty of time for the turn; don’t rush
Make full stops at stop signs and red lights – no rolling stops
Be aware of vulnerable road users in your vehicle’s blind spot
Before proceeding through an intersection, make eye contact with other road users who may not see you
Sound your horn to alert a cyclist, e-scooter or pedestrian who does not see you
Visit the City website for more motorist information

For motorcyclists

Ride defensively, as vehicles can’t always see you well
Do not stop in crosswalks since that forces pedestrians into traffic
Make full stops at stop signs and red lights – no rolling stops
When stopped near a truck, you may be in the driver’s blind spot; assume the driver does not know you are there or move out of the blind spot
Sound your horn to alert another road user who may not see you
Visit the RMCP website for more motorcycle safety tips
Visit the City website for more motorcycle information

For cyclists

Ride defensively, as vehicles can’t always see you well
Never stop in crosswalks since that forces pedestrians into traffic
Crosswalks are designed for pedestrians so dismount and walk your bike across them
Signal your turns or if you are stopping
Make full stops at stop signs and red signals – no rolling stops
When stopped near a truck, you may be in the driver’s blind spot; assume the driver does not know you are there and move out of the blind spot
Before proceeding through an intersection, make eye contact (if possible) with other road users who may not see you, especially if they are turning your way; if the car’s windows are tinted you can look at the driver’s location in the car to catch their attention
Be visible in lowlight conditions with:
- A white light at the front of the bike
- A red rear light or red rear reflector
- Two strips of white reflective tape on front forks
Have a bell or horn on your bike and use it to alert road users near you, though keep in mind drivers may not hear it
Visit the City website for more cycling information

For pedestrians

Cross in the marked crosswalk and keep your eyes on the road; don’t look at your phone or be otherwise distracted
Before proceeding through an intersection, make eye contact (if possible) with drivers who may not see you, especially if they are turning your way; if the car’s windows are tinted you can look at the driver’s location in the car to catch their attention
Learn where a vehicle’s blind spot is and stay out of it
Make yourself visible at dawn, dusk and after dark by wearing light-coloured clothing or something reflective or carry a small light
Visit these web pages from the City and the province of Ontario for more safety tips

Separation in space and time for better road safety

In addition to education initiatives like this story, the work of Road Safety Action Plan involves infrastructure upgrades, everything from small changes all the way up to complete redesigns of intersections. The 2024 Implementation Plan includes the projects specifically targeting intersections, applying the principles of separations in space and time.

Examples of separating road users in time:

Left turn only signals
Fully protected left turns (where the time to turn left is only during the left turn green light)
Leading pedestrian intervals (where the pedestrian signal turns green before the vehicular ones)
Separate signals for cyclists

Examples of separating road users in space:

High-visibility crosswalks
Designated bicycle crossings
Protected intersections (which protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists by having a shorter crossing distance so there’s less interaction with vehicles)
- A protected intersection is planned for Laurier Avenue at Elgin Street

A roundabout way to be safer

Another effective intersection safety measure is the modern roundabout. Roundabouts can be costly if they require road widening or property to be purchased, but they make drivers slow down, approach at an angle and yield to traffic already in the roundabout. As a result, roundabouts significantly reduce side-impact and head-on collisions, reducing intersection-related fatalities and serious injuries.

More in the works at the City

In addition to the works mentioned above, the City is allocating funding for functional and detailed redesigns at these high-volume cycling locations:

Alta Vista Drive and Industrial Road
Ogilvie Road and Cummings Avenue
King Edward Avenue and Sussex Drive

Design studies are currently underway regarding fully protected left turns (where the time to turn left is only during the left turn green light) at:

Alta Vista Drive and Smyth Road
Bantree Street and Innes Road
Strandherd Drive and Beatrice Drive
Hunt Club Road and Downpatrick Road
Knoxdale Road and West Hunt Club Road
Riocan Avenue and Strandherd Road
Leitrim Road and Albion Road

There are many City programs that contribute to road safety improvements, including:

The City continues to apply the Complete Streets policy for new roads and re-construction, to design roads that are safe, comfortable and efficient for all users.

Residents can help the City ensure road signs and signals are in proper working order. If you notice damaged or non-functioning equipment, please call 3-1-1 or use the online reporting form as soon as you can.

Next time you’re at an intersection – and every time – take everyone’s safety seriously.

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All paths cross at intersections

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