Signs & Signals

Information regarding traffic signs and signals.

Failure to Communicate Causes Fatal Crash

BC Courts Coat of ArmsThis case decides the liability for a fatal crash at the intersection of Lougheed Highway and Nelson Street in Mission. At 5:10 am on October 10, 2016 the traffic lights at the intersection lost power and ceased to function. By 3:08 pm power had not been restored and a collision occurred that claimed the life of Barbara McNally.

Motorcycles and HOV Lane Confusion

Bus Lane Only SignI ride a motorcycle and find that some HOV lanes allow motorcycles and some do not. It is frustrating to pass the non-HOV entrance to a roadway only to find that the HOV lane entrance does not permit motorcycles. Can it be changed so that motorcycles are permitted to use all HOV lanes and entrances, in particular that one as I commute over that bridge daily?

VIDEO - Can Traffic Lights Learn to be Smart?

VideoBaher Abdulhai is a professor at the University of Toronto and the director if the Toronto Intelligent Transportation Systems Centre and Testbed. One aspect of his work is artificial intelligence (AI) based street and freeway traffic control, traveler information systems, and emergency evacuation optimization.

What is a Traffic Control Device?

Traffic ConesAmid the chaos of a collision scene came a call over my police radio: "Grab that vehicle, it just drove around the cones and into oncoming traffic!" Not only did the emergency workers have to deal with a two vehicle collision in an intersection full of emergency vehicles, they also had to contend with drivers who were going through no matter what.

The Invisible Pedestrian

Walk SignalOn a morning walk I found myself facing a young woman across a busy intersection while we waited for the traffic signal to change. She was facing me but keeping an eye on the van waiting beside her at the red light signalling a right turn. As I watched the situation unfold I was impressed with this woman's street smarts.

Bicycles & Lane Use Sign

Q&A ImageQuestion: Eastbound on Point Grey Road at Alma Street in Vancouver there are two bike lanes on the north side of the street that are allowed to cross Alma Street without stopping. On the diverter is a lane use sign for Eastbound traffic, "no straight ahead except for bicycles".