WESTLOCK – Foggy conditions contributed to a lunchtime crash Jan. 9 between a car and powered scooter on 100th Street (Highway 18).
And while thankfully there were no injuries, RCMP say the incident highlights the need for drivers and pedestrians to “exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings” as they focus on intersection safety to start 2023.
Westlock RCMP Cpl. Riley Sutherland said that at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, they got a call that a motorized scooter crossing 100th Street near 102nd Avenue near R.F. Staples School was struck by car.
“He was crossing at the crosswalk and due to the fog had difficultly seeing where the lines would have been for the crosswalk and difficultly seeing traffic — that came from all of the witnesses. The driver of the car and the man who was on the scooter said the fog was extremely bad at that point,” said Sutherland. “The driver of the car reacted quickly. And it appears the speeds were slowed as from looking at the witness statements, everyone had slowed down a bit because they knew they were nearing intersections.”
In a separate release, the Alberta RCMP notes they’ll be focusing on intersection safety in January to “make our roads and highways safe in 2023.”
“When motorists, pedestrian, cyclists and other road users all come to a single point in traffic, the risk of error and collision increases significantly,” added Alberta RCMP Traffic Insp. Chris Romanchych. “Giving intersections the attention and caution they demand is crucial. Let’s start the new year off right and prioritize intersection safety.”
Sutherland mirrored the tips in the release, which reminds road users to exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings at intersections. RCMP say unsafe left turns, speed, and distractions can all be contributors to collisions, or serious injury at intersections.
For motorists, obey traffic signs and signals and ensure you come to a full-stop at red lights and stop signs. Remember to yield to pedestrians at all marked, or unmarked, crosswalks and before making a turn, ensure crosswalks are clear.
“Also, if another vehicle is slowing, it could be that they’re slowing for someone who is crossing, so slow down even if you can’t see if someone is crossing,” added Sutherland.
Remember the right-of-way rule at three and four-way stops as the vehicle to arrive first, proceeds first. And drive defensively, as even though you may be practising safe driving habits, that doesn’t mean others are.
For pedestrians, use crosswalks and pedestrian-activated signals and always wait until all vehicles have come to a complete stop before crossing. Stay alert, keep your head up, remove headphones, and put away cellphones or other electronic devices when in traffic.
Sutherland added that pedestrians need to do their best to be seen and to make eye contact with drivers. RCMP also note that wearing bright, reflective gear also helps people stay visible to drivers.
“That’s a big one, making eye contact. Just because some people are slowing down, doesn’t mean they can all see the person crossing,” Sutherland noted.
