With the holiday season over, SGI is focusing its attention on this month's traffic safety spotlight.

Communications consultant for SGI, Heather Anderson provides some insight into this month's focus.

"So January Traffic Safety Spotlight is on intersection safety and of course, it's especially crucial to put your best wheel forward in the winter months when intersections can be slippery. So that means slowing down, leaving an adequate following distance, and knowing the rules of the road. All of these things can really help prevent collisions."

Nearly half of all crashes on Saskatchewan roads happen at intersections. On average (2016-2020) 2, 503 people are injured and 31 people are killed at intersections each year. 

Anderson provides some details regarding the leading factors that cause intersection collisions. 

"That includes things like failure to yield, driver inattention, road conditions, and following too closely. The good news is there are things that drivers can do to help protect themselves and stay safe on the road and that includes things like knowing the rules of the road."

Drivers can help to prevent collisions by knowing the different types of insections that they may encounter. Knowing how to navigate each scenario is a key to safe driving. 

In regards to driver inattention, Anderson says drivers simply need to stay alert and have an idea of what other road users are doing and watch for pedestrians. 

With road conditions at this time of year, drivers should slow down when conditions are not ideal and reduce speed in order to obtain better control over their vehicle. 

Drivers should also leave five to six seconds of following distance between vehicles in the winter months. 

Anderson reminds drivers to take extra time especially in the winter when approaching intersections and provide adequate time to allow themselves to get to their destination. 

Written by Tara Garcia.