As we welcome in the new year, SGI is turning its focus on intersections and railway safety.

Manager of Media Relations with SGI, Tyler McMurchy, details the importance of the focus.

"Nearly half of all collisions that take place happen in intersections even though they make up a relatively small portion of kilometers of road that are out there. We want people to think about intersections and knowing what they need to do when they encounter them."

McMurchy reminds drivers to stay alert when in intersections as there is a high probability of pedestrians, other vehicles passing in front of you, and a chance you may not see a stop or yield sign which you must obey. 

The types of charges issued following collisions at intersections include driving without due care and attention which is one of the more significant ones and indicates that the driver was not paying attention to the safe operation of the vehicle. 

McMurchy provides some helpful tips when dealing with intersections.

"You want to make sure your in the correct lane and further to that you don't want to be passing or changing lanes as your passing through an intersection or even as your getting to close to an intersection because changing lanes at the last minute doesn't give you a lot of time to check your blindspots and changing lanes while in an intersection will surprise other road users."

In regards to railway safety, McMurchy says although collisions between trains and vehicles are rare they tend to be serious.

Drivers are reminded to always be alert at all train crossings but especially at those crossings that are uncontrolled.