The infamous intersection on Douglas Street at the Uptown shopping centre remains on the caution list of many residents because of close calls with drivers.
Saanich resident Nicole Frances says the intersection of Douglas and Saanich Road is a hazard for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 at least four times a week that IB次元官网网址檓 almost hit there,B次元官网网址� said Frances. B次元官网网址淚 fear for my life every time I have to cross the Douglas intersection by Uptown mall. The people turning right onto Saanich Road never look to see if a pedestrian is crossing on the walk sign, and they take the turn without even stopping.B次元官网网址�
Susan Nelson wrote in an online post that people are always in such a hurry that they often ignore or miss the signage already in place.
B次元官网网址淚 often have felt that intersections could use some changes B次元官网网址� for pedestrians and cars,B次元官网网址� said Nelson. B次元官网网址淢y only thought on addressing this is if you feel unsafe to report it to Saanich B次元官网网址� and express your concerns to the city. Copy the letter to the police so maybe they can address the no-stopping.B次元官网网址�
The stretch of intersections from Douglas to Blanshard Street along Saanich Road are on an ICBC list with a total of 60 crashes in 2022, up from 20 from the previous year.
Patrick Schreck, a director with the Greater Victoria cycling coalition Capital Bike, says that one way to mitigate collisions on the road is for smarter municipal planning.
B次元官网网址淎 poorly designed intersection is going to lend itself to more accidents for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians,B次元官网网址� Schreck said. B次元官网网址淲hen an accident happens, thereB次元官网网址檚 a tendency to point fingers and blame the motorist or cyclist when the priority should be to ask how could the design of the intersection be improved to avoid this situation in the first place.B次元官网网址�
He added that a tight turning radius often requires vehicles to navigate more slowly and that B次元官网网址減hase lightsB次元官网网址� and flashing signage can help quell the likelihood of a collision. However, he has been noticing better-designed intersections throughout Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland as time progresses.
B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 also a responsibility for educational campaigns,B次元官网网址� said Schreck. B次元官网网址淪ome motorists donB次元官网网址檛 know if they have the right of way or if the cyclist does. Clear signage and slowing down is going to be a winner for everyone.B次元官网网址�
Some residents have suggested fixes to make the Douglas/Saanich corner less accident-prone, such as making this intersection B次元官网网址渘o right on redB次元官网网址� and adding a green arrow for a right turn. Others suggest installing cameras to deter drivers from speeding through. Above all, the most common denominator among drivers and pedestrians is speed. Being more mindful of their surroundings before stepping onto the road or before turning.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not just these intersections that need attention, there are people making use of other intersections with roadways, so they also need to have the appropriate design,B次元官网网址� said Schreck.
