Winter intersection safety: it’s everyone’s responsibility
The Nova Scotia RCMP is asking everyone to exercise caution at intersections this winter.
Intersections always require vigilance but caution is especially important during the winter, with its shorter days, cold and wet weather and quickly-changing road conditions.
“Winter weather conditions can complicate things,” says Const. Chad Morrison of the Nova Scotia RCMP. “It’s important to stay focused on everything else going on around you so you can respond to unexpected challenges that come up.”
The RCMP says all drivers have a responsibility to keep everyone safe, including themselves, and these tips can help.
• When approaching an intersection, scan right and left before continuing through.
• Make sure you can hear and see what’s going on around you and keep music at a level where it does not obstruct your hearing. Pedestrians may find it helpful to remove headphones and earphones before crossing the street.
• Remember, pedestrians are often more difficult to see in darker conditions. Drivers should take extra care to scan for pedestrians when it is dark and pedestrians can make themselves more visible at night by wearing reflective or brightly-coloured clothing.
• Drivers can stay safe during left turns by yielding to oncoming traffic and pedestrians’ right of way.
• Pedestrians and motorists should make eye contact before pedestrians cross in front of vehicles.