Look both sides, don't speed up, don't switch lanes. Don't speed.Kelvin W Leung — Richmond
It can be easy to forget how complicated intersections are. That's why it's worth taking a few extra seconds to look around. You could spot a last second pedestrian or oncoming traffic you didn't know was there. It'll even help give other people time to see you. Knowing the road is clear before you go will help keep you and your family safer.
To learn more about the challenging intersections in your area, we've developed a few online apps to help you out.
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Find the busiest intersections near you.
Intersections can get challenging. With four different directions of traffic merging into one point, getting through safely can be difficult. But there are some intersections that are more challenging than others. This could be from rush hour traffic or because the intersection is connected to a major road
Find the top five challenging intersections on your next trip. Click each marker for helpful tips.
Sometimes going from A to B can be more difficult than you think. Lanes and traffic signals help guide us safely through intersections. But with so much going on, the unexpected has a way of happening.
Driving is one of the most complex things you do all day.
Always use caution. Avoid sudden moves that might confuse another driver, cyclist or pedestrian.
Always be ready to stop in case the light changes to yellow.
Regularly check your mirrors, your speed and scan the roadside for potential hazards.
Maintain a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you.
When approaching a yellow light, stop unless it is unsafe to do so.
Check the pedestrian signals — crosswalk signals can change just before the light turns yellow.
It’s not safe to change lanes in an intersection. Be in the correct lane before entering.
Always use your turn signals well before you change lanes or turn.
Watch for other, more vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
When you’re stopping at an intersection, make sure you’re behind the stop line or crosswalk when you stop.
Always stop with enough space to see the wheels on the car in front of you.
Keep your wheels straight when stopped.
Make sure the intersection is clear before you move forward.
Don’t enter the intersection if traffic is backed up. Otherwise you’ll be stuck in the middle.
Ignore aggressive drivers — don’t worry if they’re honking their horns behind you.
Always watch for cyclists and pedestrians in poor visibility.
Do not pass other vehicles stopped at an intersection. They may be yielding the right of way to a pedestrian.
At a roundabout, always yield to the traffic already in the intersection, which will be approaching from the left.
Yield to the vehicle on your right at traffic circles and uncontrolled intersections.
When turning right on a red light, stop & check for vehicles approaching from the left and for pedestrians crossing on your right before entering the intersection.
Approach intersections with caution and always scan for hazards, such as other vehicles, cyclists or pedestrians.
Intersections begin at the first crosswalk line on the near side. If your vehicle is in the crosswalk, it is in the intersection.
Majority of motorcycle crashes in urban areas occur at intersections.
Approximately half of crashes involving pedestrians occur at intersections.
Traffic Circles look similar to roundabouts, but are generally smaller and have different rules regarding right of way.
60% of crashes reported to ICBC occur at intersections — 5year avg, 2007-2011.
On average, there are more than 230 crashes each day at intersections in BC.
