Important

Accident Scenario 1: Left-Turn Collision Due to Incomplete Visibility

Type of Collision: T-bone (side-impact) or angled collision.
Common Location: Intersection with traffic lights, stop signs, or unprotected left-turn lanes.

Sequence of Events

  1. Driver Intent:
    • Red car (A) (turning car) signals a left turn and enters the intersection, intending to turn left across oncoming lanes.
    • White car (B) approaches the intersection traveling straight in the opposite direction.
  2. Visibility Failure:
    • Vehicle A’s driver misjudges the speed/distance of Vehicle B or fails to see it entirely due to:
      • Blind spots (e.g., A-pillar obstruction, glare from sunlight, or poor weather like fog/rain).
      • Obstructed sightlines (e.g., parked vehicles, vegetation, or large trucks blocking the driver’s view).
      • Distraction (e.g., driver focused on pedestrians, traffic signals, or in-car devices).
  3. Turn Initiation:
    • Vehicle A begins turning left, assuming the path is clear.
    • Vehicle B, traveling at or above the speed limit, enters the intersection simultaneously.
  4. Collision:
    • Vehicle B strikes the passenger side of Vehicle A (T-bone collision) or front-left corner (angled collision).
    • Impact force depends on speed (e.g., Vehicle B at 40 mph vs. Vehicle A at 5–10 mph during the turn).

 

Right-of-Way Rules at Two-Way Stops in BC

Under BC’s Motor Vehicle Act, drivers approaching a two-way stop (where only cross-traffic has stop signs) must follow these rules to safely navigate intersections:

Red car first comes to complete stop.

1. First to Stop, First to Go

  • Rule: The vehicle that comes to a complete stop first at the intersection has the right-of-way to proceed first.
  • Example: If you stop at the stop line before another driver arriving later, you may proceed once the intersection is clear of pedestrians and cross-traffic.

2. Simultaneous Arrival

  • Rule: If two vehicles stop at the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
  • Example:
    • Driver A (on the left) and Driver B (on the right) arrive together.
    • Driver A must wait for Driver B to go first.

3. Turning Left vs. Going Straight

  • Rule: If two vehicles arrive simultaneously and one is turning left while the other is proceeding straight, the left-turning vehicle must yield to the straight-going vehicle.
  • Example:
    • Driver A (turning left) and Driver B (going straight) arrive together.
    • Driver A must yield to Driver B.

Key Scenarios & How to Respond

Scenario 1: You Arrive First

  • Action: Proceed cautiously after confirming the intersection is clear.
  • Check For: Pedestrians, cyclists, and cross-traffic without stop signs.

Scenario 2: You Arrive at the Same Time as Another Driver

  • Action:
    • If you’re on the left, wait for the driver on your right to go.
    • If you’re on the right, proceed with caution.

Scenario 3: Confusion or Uncertainty

  • Action: Use hand signals or eye contact to communicate intent. If in doubt, yield to avoid collision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Rolling Stops: Failing to come to a complete stop (wheels fully stationary).
  2. Assuming Right-of-Way: Never assume other drivers will follow the rules—always verify before proceeding.
  3. Ignoring Pedestrians: Pedestrians have priority at intersections, even if unmarked.

Why These Rules Matter

  • Safety: Prevents T-bone collisions and side-impact crashes.
  • Legal Compliance: Violating right-of-way rules can result in fines (e.g., $167 under BC’s Motor Vehicle Act) and liability for accidents.
  • Traffic Flow: Ensures smooth movement at uncontrolled intersections.

Tips for Defensive Driving

  • Scan Continuously: Check mirrors, blind spots, and crosswalks.
  • Signal Early: Indicate turns in advance to communicate intentions.
  • Watch for Cyclists: Bicycles follow the same rules as vehicles—yield to them as needed.