January 2025 - Intersection safety

Alberta’s government is reminding drivers to slow down and proceed carefully through intersections.

Statistics show intersection-related collisions increase in the new year, largely due to winter driving and low light conditions. One in four collisions on Alberta roads occurs at an intersection, resulting in far too many injuries and deaths, as well as millions of dollars in damages each year.

Pedestrians, cyclists and motorists converge at intersections at different speeds, increasing the risk of collisions. Preventable intersection collisions are largely due to driver error, including driving too fast for weather conditions, making an improper left turn, failing to stop at a stop sign or disobeying a traffic signal. Each and every Alberta driver has a responsibility to ensure our roads are safe for everyone.

Intersection safety tips

• When approaching an intersection or crosswalk, always be alert for vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists.
• Elderly pedestrians or those with disabilities may need more time to cross the road. Please be patient and wait until they finish crossing.
• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way at an unmarked intersection or stop sign unless otherwise indicated by signage.
• If you can’t see the wheels of the vehicle in front of you, you’ve stopped too close.

Quick facts

• On average, 42 people are killed and more than 800 are seriously injured each year in collisions at intersections in Alberta (2018 – 2022).
• Most collisions in Alberta (90 per cent in 2021) are property damage-only collisions.
• About 96.3 per cent of intersection collisions occurred in urban areas from 2018-2022. However, almost half (about 44.1 per cent) of fatal intersection collisions occurred in rural areas.
• About 80 per cent of all collisions involve driver error.
• In Alberta, failing to stop at a stop sign can result in a $405 fine and three demerits.
• At a stop sign, drivers must come to a complete stop before proceeding safely through the intersection.

For more information contact:

Sgt. Stacey Fishley
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471