Intersection Accident-Prone

Q: It has always puzzled me why Kelowna has nine out of the ten most accident-prone intersections of the Okanagan, and yet there is nothing being done to fix the problems at these intersections. Driving to and from work everyday, I pass through at least four of these intersections, and the common problem I notice is drivers continuing to turn on the red light.

There are so many instances where two to three cars, sometime more, continue to make left hand turns when they should be waiting for the next green light, or advancing arrow. I know many complains have been that the intersection light times are not long enough, but that should not excuse people from turning on a red light, especially when they are behind the white line. Is this a traffic violation with a fine? If so, why isn't anything being done at problematic intersections, where violations occur almost every minute? I know realistically, there is no way to catch every violator at these intersections, but can an example be made at all, and possibly make these intersections safer in the future?

A: I understand your frustration with red light violations. I have attended so many horrific crashes as a result of a traffic signal light that was red but according to the driver who caused the crash, the light was "yellow," even though independent witnesses indicated the light was red. I am not making excuses for what appears to be lack of enforcement. I have started to realize that the intersections are not the problem. It is the rising frustration of certain drivers who are unwilling to understand that Harvey Avenue is in fact Highway 97.

As such, Highway 97 is a major highway that has no other alternative route and runs through Kelowna, Westbank and Lake Country. There is only so much enforcement that can be dedicated to this particular problem. It may seem that there is little enforcement, but rest assured, we are out there doing the best we can. I know during the month of January, my traffic partner and myself attended and investigated 89 traffic related crashes. Given the high number of crashes daily just for the City of Kelowna, enforcement sometimes has to take a back seat. Rest assured, we make the most of our time when it comes to enforcement. It is certain drivers with aggressive driving habits that have to change in order to make our roadways safer.

Constable R.A.(Richard) ASELTON
Central Okanagan Traffic Services - Media Liaison
Kelowna R.C.M.P. Detachment

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