Bylaw Enforcement

Greg LYNCH (Manager)   John NESBITT, Jamie BROWN, Pete THOMPSON, Dennis GORDON

NEWS RELEASE

January 12th, 2010

MUNICIPAL TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT SAFE INTERSECTIONS

As a result of traffic studies completed in 2006 in Alberta, a comprehensive strategy was developed to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries in Alberta. The Alberta Traffic Safety Plan Calendar is one of these strategies that will continue to direct the enforcement activities of the City of Brooks Municipal Enforcement Unit in 2010.

Intersection Safety is identified as the focus for enforcement for the month of January 2010. In Alberta, in 2008, three of the top five frequently identified improper driver actions were: making a left turn across the path of an oncoming vehicle (12.5%), committing a stop sign violation (8.6%), and disobeying a traffic signal (7.4%). In 2008, 89 Albertans were killed and 9,134 people were injured in collisions at intersections in Alberta. 90% of collisions are attributable to driver error.

Brooks Municipal Enforcement Unit will direct enforcement efforts to intersections throughout the City of Brooks, the County of Newell, Village of Duchess, Village of Tilley, Village of Rosemary and Town of Bassano.

Failure to stop at a stop sign results in a $287 fine and 3 demerit points. At a stop sign, drivers are required to come to a complete stop, meaning the wheels of the vehicle must not be moving, before proceeding safely through the intersection. This complete stop gives the driver an opportunity to look for oncoming traffic, pedestrians, or cyclists. Left turning vehicles must yield to approaching traffic.

To be safe in intersections;

For Drivers;

1. Be prepared for the unexpected and share the road safely.
2. Always look before proceeding through intersections regardless of the traffic light color.
3. Do Not:
• Run red lights
• Roll through a stop sign
• Speed through intersections
• Follow too closely
• Make unsafe left-hand turns
• Rely on having the right of way.

• Make eye contact with drivers before you cross a street.
• Abide by traffic signs and signals. They are in place to protect your safety.

• Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk carries a $575 fine plus 4 demerit points.
• Pedestrians always have right of way at an unmarked intersection or stop sign unless otherwise indicated by signage.
• A sidewalk acts as a stop sign. Before entering a main street from a road, service road, alley, driveway, or parking lot a vehicle must stop unless marked otherwise.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Greg Lynch, Manager of Municipal Enforcement at (403) 362-2331.