Driving Tips > Safety Columns
Drive cautiously near intersections
You always need to be careful when driving near an intersection but extra caution should be taken in the winter. Your line of site can be blocked by tall snow banks and road conditions can be icier than expected.
Here are a few tips to follow when you are stopped at an intersection:
- At a controlled intersection, check for oncoming traffic on your left and right and wait a few seconds after the light turns green before proceeding – other vehicles may have trouble stopping on icy roads.
- If you come to a full stop and a snow bank is obstructing your line of sight, inch forward slowly before driving out in traffic. Lean forward in your seat to increase your line of sight.
- When turning right, hug the right curb.
- Be on the lookout for children, pedestrians and other vehicles.
Collisions at intersections are often related to speed. In the winter, black ice can make it hard to stop quickly at an intersection, so slow down and increase your braking distance to reduce your risk of a collision.
For more information, check out our website and watch The 60-Second Driver on CTV.
