RCMP reminding drivers about intersection-safety

RCMP reminding drivers about intersection-safety

Nova Scotia RCMP is reminding drivers and pedestrians about intersection-safety this winter. Winter weather can seriously impact road conditions which can make it challenging to stop quickly.​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Last week, RCMP members conducted an​ checkpoint to highlight intersection safety that resulted in 25 tickets being issued. Tickets were given to motorists who failed to stop at a red light or at a​ stop sign. This also included motorists who failed to stop at a red light before turning right.​ ​ ​

It's important to stay focussed and alert when approaching an intersection so that you can see what is around you and prevent a collision. Being aware of your surroundings, changing lights and road conditions, can help keep you and others safe. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Drivers

• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Drivers should take extra care to scan for pedestrians when it’s dark as it can be difficult to see.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Always drive to the road conditions. Leave lots of space between you and the car in front of you.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Make a full stop at red lights and stop signs, even when turning right, and yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Use your signal when making turns. Ensure it is safe to turn left before doing so.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Drivers must yield to pedestrians at intersections, even when there is no marked crosswalk.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​When pedestrians are crossing, wait until they are safely across before proceeding ahead.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Drive defensively. Even if you have the right of way, be aware of your surroundings when proceeding through an intersection.

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Pedestrians

• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Pedestrians and motorists should make eye contact before pedestrians cross in front of vehicles.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Check traffic before crossing and only proceed when it is safe to do so.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Always use crosswalks and pedestrian-activated signals when they are available.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Wear reflective or brightly-coloured clothing if you’re walking at night to be more visible.
• ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​Don’t be a distracted pedestrian. Remove headphones; put away cell phones, or other electronic devices when crossing the street.

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Nova Scotia RCMP would also like to remind motorists to buckle up, it could save your life. Did you know that not wearing a seatbelt is one of the four causal factors of serious and fatal motor vehicle collisions in Nova Scotia?