Intersections

Information related to intersections.

Q&A - Problems Turning Right at an Intersection

Q&A ImageQuestion: Here is a typical intersection in Vancouver at West Broadway and Birch in Kitsilano. Turning right is only allowed from the far right lane. However, West Broadway is packed with parked (legally, see the parking meter) cars, and if the parked car is too big and/or too close to the intersection, you don't have any room to change lanes.

VIDEO - Are Roundabouts Really Better Than a Traffic Signal?

VideoHere's another video from Road Guy Rob and this time around he's taking a look at roundabouts. He says that traffic signals are not scary but roundabouts can be, especially if you've never driven one before. Are these spinny circles really better that a traffic light or just a passing fad?

Q&A - Turning Right & Blocking Traffic

Q&A ImageQ: I run into this issue constantly; where drivers leaving a shopping center parking lot think it's OK to make a right hand turn while traffic has backed up at a red light, but only complete that turn half way thereby blocking the ability of those using the right hand turning lane at the next intersection (starts right after the exit from the parking lot) to use that lane.

CASE LAW - St. Denis v Turner

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis case arises from a two vehicle collision that occurred at the intersection of 200 Street and 62 Avenue in Surrey. It involves a car driven southbound on 200 Street, turning left onto 62 Avenue and a car driven northbound on 200 Street in the right hand or curb lane. Traffic in the left and middle lanes of 200 Street northbound was at a standstill due to congestion.

VIDEO - Protected Intersections

VideoWhile this video is titled "Making a Community Safer for Pedestrians | A Protected Intersection" it should also include cyclists with the pedestrians as it protects them too. Local stakeholders are interviewed about the rationale for picking this intersection and why the changes that have been made work to make it safer.

CASE LAW - Donato v Quach

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis case involves a collision at the intersection of 86 Avenue and 160 Street in Surrey. Joshua Donato had stopped for the stop sign westbound on 86 Avenue intending to turn right. Due to limited visibility he moved forward and slightly to the right in anticipation of making the turn.

The Difficulty With Stop Signs

Stop LineOne wouldn't think that stopping at a stop sign would be such a problem for drivers. It seems relatively simple, come to a complete stop, look both ways and then go if it is safe to do so. With the poor compliance rate, we should ask is the stop sign the best form of traffic control for intersections that are not controlled by traffic signals?

CASE LAW - Jory v Pereira

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis case resolves liability for a collision that took place at the intersection of Rutherford Road and Cedar Ridge Place in Nanaimo. A car was being driven eastbound on Rutherford Road by Gordon Pereira at a speed of between 80 and 115 km/h in the 50 km/h municipal speed zone. A van driven by William Jory stopped at the stop sign northbound on Cedar Ridge Place and then began to turn west on Rutherford Road.