(Photo: Abby Zieverink / EverythingGP, staff)

By Abby Zieverink

RCMP safety tips

Grande Prairie RCMP roll out intersection Safe-T tips

Feb 5, 2022 | 5:00 AM

The Grande Prairie RCMP is rolling out what it calls intersection “Safe-T” tips for motorists and pedestrians in the region.

In a release, police say common errors at intersections include motorists taking unsafe left turns, speeding, and violating traffic signals, which all pose an increased risk for a collision.

Cst. Lindsay Ralph says it is important for drivers to slow down and allow for an extra stopping distance when approaching an intersection, particularly during the winter when road conditions often vary.

“When travelling through intersections, particularly during these months in the winter, the roadways can become snow-covered. icy, they can kind of get ruts in the road because of the snow,” she explained.

“It is important for drivers travelling in any parts of the city to just slow that speed down, make sure you are well prepared to be out, and when you get to an intersection, just take that extra caution to make sure the roadways are clear.”

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This includes keeping an eye out for pedestrians who may be walking on the road, or crossing the intersections.

“It’s very important too that motorists and pedestrians ensure that they both see each other, make sure the traffic stops completely and then we allow those pedestrians get all the way across the crosswalk before we proceed,” she explained.

Ralph stresses motorists must follow all traffic signals.

“If the light is red, make that full stop even if you are turning right at that intersection. It is important that the vehicle stops at the stoplight or stop sign and then proceed right.”

When it comes to three or four-way stops, Ralph explains that motorists must come to a complete stop and check if there are any other vehicles in the other lanes.

“If you get there first, you get to go first and if there’s another vehicle that arrives, the rule is you let the person on the right proceed first, and then everyone can get through safely,” added Ralph.

“By taking those few extra seconds, it gives everyone enough time to kind of process who’s there and then, figure out who needs to go first.”

Even when a motorist has the right of way, Ralph explains it is crucial to be aware of their surroundings to ensure no other vehicles are sliding through the intersection as well as pedestrians waiting to cross.

Authorities suggest pedestrians use a crosswalk and pedestrian-activated signals when there are no crossing lights, and wait till vehicles come to a complete stop before crossing.