Safety at intersections is a big deal

January is Intersection Safety Month!

Have you become complacent when entering an intersection? Bad habits can develop as we hurry through our daily lives, but forgetting about basic safety can cost you more than time. These busy, high-traffic areas can easily become a source of injuries or fatalities if not accessed safely.

This month we are reminding road users to exercise caution when approaching an intersection.

• Always look before proceeding through an intersection, watching for other drivers and pedestrians.
• Ensure it is safe to turn left before doing so.
• Obey traffic signs and signals. In particular, fully stop at red lights and stop signs.
• At three and four-way stops, the vehicle that arrived first should proceed first. If two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right should proceed first.
• Leave ample room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.
• Be prepared for the unexpected — pedestrians, changing lights, slippery road conditions, or even other drivers.
• Pedestrians, make eye contact with drivers ensuring you are seen. Extending your arm and pointing in the direction you wish to proceed shows drivers that you intend to enter a crosswalk. 

Touch up on your intersection rules.