Red light danger at intersections
[attach]1072[/attach]Make sure to look both ways if you’re crossing the road at two North York intersections, as they have been rated some of the most dangerous roadways for pedestrians in Toronto.
A report released by Toronto Traffic Services rated Bathurst Street and Finch Avenue the worst intersection for collisions resulting in major injuries or fatalities to walkers. Yonge Street and Finch Avenue ranked fifth.
The study only included collisions involving pedestrians and vehicles turning right on red lights as a part of a pilot project to determine whether a right-turn ban would reduce the rate of collisions at intersections.
According to Toronto Transportation safety manager Mike Brady, between 2003 and 2008 there were six pedestrian-vehicle collisions on red lights at Finch and Yonge that resulted in major injuries or fatalities.
Brady says many collisions occur outside the downtown core and there are unique circumstances at each intersection.
“For that particular intersection (Yonge and Finch), it is residential and you have a subway station and a heavy bus route in the area,” says Brady.
He says the more friction there is — interaction between pedestrian groups and vehicle groups — the higher the chance of collision. The volume of traffic at dangerous intersections was not taken into account in the study.
As for Bathurst and Finch, some area residents were surprised to hear it made the top of the list.
“I’ve never had any issues,” said Brigitte Krasner, who said she’s lived in the area all her life.
Brady says regardless of the intersection, drivers must comply with the rules of the road.
“It is a driver behaviour issue predominantly,” he says.
Tim Burrows of the Toronto Police agrees.
“Yonge and Finch is no different in terms of engineering,” says Burrows. “It is an extremely busy intersection.”
He says at an intersection where two sets of four lanes intersect, there are 36 opportunities for a collision to take place and Burrows advises using extra caution when approaching any intersection to ensure safety.
“Use the road with heightened sense of awareness and caution,” says Burrows. “Never assume the right-of-way, and act based on what you see rather than you believe.
“Be right, but don’t be dead right.”
About 12 percent of Toronto pedestrian-motor vehicle collisions result in major injuries or death. Half of those fatalities are seniors, although citizens 15-54 were involved in a higher number accidents. Many accidents occur during the fall and winter months, and collisions are most frequent during rush hour on weekdays.
Toronto has 55,000 traffic accidents in the city each year, of which 50 result in fatalities.
[align=right]—With Files from Karolyn Coorsh
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