All paths cross at intersections

Whether the intersection has stop signs or traffic signals or is a roundabout, all road users' cross paths there. Who should be most alert at intersections? Everyone.

Out of 673 collisions resulting in fatal or major injuries between 2017 and 2021, 57 per cent occurred at or near intersections.

Have you noticed we never refer to collisions as ‘accidents’? That’s because ‘accident’ implies it was not anticipated and could not be prevented. But the fatal and major injury collisions that happen on our roads are almost entirely preventable with safer road use behaviour, especially by drivers since vehicles can inflict the most harm.

Safety tips

Here is some advice for safe intersection use.

For drivers

• Do not stop in crosswalks since that forces pedestrians into traffic
• Look both ways even on one-way streets because there may be sidewalks or multi-use paths with people coming from either direction
• When making a left turn, watch for motorcycles in the opposing lane – their speed and distance can be hard to judge
• Only proceed through an intersection if the way is clear and you have plenty of time for the turn; don’t rush
• Make full stops at stop signs and red lights – no rolling stops
• Be aware of vulnerable road users in your vehicle’s blind spot
• Before proceeding through an intersection, make eye contact with other road users who may not see you
• Sound your horn to alert a cyclist, e-scooter or pedestrian who does not see you
• Visit the City website for more motorist information

For motorcyclists

• Ride defensively, as vehicles can’t always see you well
• Do not stop in crosswalks since that forces pedestrians into traffic
• Make full stops at stop signs and red lights – no rolling stops
• When stopped near a truck, you may be in the driver’s blind spot; assume the driver does not know you are there or move out of the blind spot
• Sound your horn to alert another road user who may not see you
• Visit the RMCP website for more motorcycle safety tips
• Visit the City website for more motorcycle information

For cyclists

• Ride defensively, as vehicles can’t always see you well
• Never stop in crosswalks since that forces pedestrians into traffic
• Crosswalks are designed for pedestrians so dismount and walk your bike across them
• Signal your turns or if you are stopping
• Make full stops at stop signs and red signals – no rolling stops
• When stopped near a truck, you may be in the driver’s blind spot; assume the driver does not know you are there and move out of the blind spot
• Before proceeding through an intersection, make eye contact (if possible) with other road users who may not see you, especially if they are turning your way; if the car’s windows are tinted you can look at the driver’s location in the car to catch their attention
• Be visible in lowlight conditions with:
  • A white light at the front of the bike
  • A red rear light or red rear reflector
  • Two strips of white reflective tape on front forks
• Have a bell or horn on your bike and use it to alert road users near you, though keep in mind drivers may not hear it
• Visit the City website for more cycling information

For pedestrians

• Cross in the marked crosswalk and keep your eyes on the road; don’t look at your phone or be otherwise distracted
• Before proceeding through an intersection, make eye contact (if possible) with drivers who may not see you, especially if they are turning your way; if the car’s windows are tinted you can look at the driver’s location in the car to catch their attention
• Learn where a vehicle’s blind spot is and stay out of it
• Make yourself visible at dawn, dusk and after dark by wearing light-coloured clothing or something reflective or carry a small light
• Visit these web pages from the City and the province of Ontario for more safety tips

Separation in space and time for better road safety

In addition to education initiatives like this story, the work of Road Safety Action Plan involves infrastructure upgrades, everything from small changes all the way up to complete redesigns of intersections. The 2024 Implementation Plan includes the projects specifically targeting intersections, applying the principles of separations in space and time.

Examples of separating road users in time:

• Left turn only signals
• Fully protected left turns (where the time to turn left is only during the left turn green light)
• Leading pedestrian intervals (where the pedestrian signal turns green before the vehicular ones)
• Separate signals for cyclists

Examples of separating road users in space:

• High-visibility crosswalks
• Designated bicycle crossings
• Protected intersections (which protect vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists by having a shorter crossing distance so there’s less interaction with vehicles)
  • A protected intersection is planned for Laurier Avenue at Elgin Street

A roundabout way to be safer

Another effective intersection safety measure is the modern roundabout. Roundabouts can be costly if they require road widening or property to be purchased, but they make drivers slow down, approach at an angle and yield to traffic already in the roundabout. As a result, roundabouts significantly reduce side-impact and head-on collisions, reducing intersection-related fatalities and serious injuries.

More in the works at the City

In addition to the works mentioned above, the City is allocating funding for functional and detailed redesigns at these high-volume cycling locations:

1. Alta Vista Drive and Industrial Road
2. Ogilvie Road and Cummings Avenue
3. King Edward Avenue and Sussex Drive

Design studies are currently underway regarding fully protected left turns (where the time to turn left is only during the left turn green light) at:

• Alta Vista Drive and Smyth Road
• Bantree Street and Innes Road
• Strandherd Drive and Beatrice Drive
• Hunt Club Road and Downpatrick Road
• Knoxdale Road and West Hunt Club Road
• Riocan Avenue and Strandherd Road
• Leitrim Road and Albion Road

There are many City programs that contribute to road safety improvements, including:

• 30 km/h Speed Design Guidelines
• Active Transportation Plan
• Arterial Road Corridor Design Guidelines
• Building Better and Smarter Suburbs
• Complete Streets Implementation Framework
• Road Safety Reports 
• Safer Roads Ottawa
• Traffic Calming Design Guidelines
• Transportation Master Plan

The City continues to apply the Complete Streets policy for new roads and re-construction, to design roads that are safe, comfortable and efficient for all users.

Residents can help the City ensure road signs and signals are in proper working order. If you notice damaged or non-functioning equipment, please call 3-1-1 or use the online reporting form as soon as you can.

Next time you’re at an intersection – and every time – take everyone’s safety seriously.