March, 1999

Intersection improvements show promise

Saskatoon drivers had fewer traffic accidents and related injuries at three of the city's busiest intersections in 1998, thanks in part to a joint effort by SGI and the City of Saskatoon.

Through the Intersection Improvement Program, changes were made in 1997 to three busy intersections in Saskatoon - Circle Drive and 22nd Street, Confederation Drive and 22nd, and Warman Road and Lenore Drive. Improvements included new overhead signal lights, improved pavement markings, better signage, and advanced warning flashers, which indicate to drivers that they are approaching a red light.

When comparing traffic accident statistics from the first eight months of 1998 (after improvements) to statistics from the first eight months of 1994 to 1996, there was an 11 per cent reduction in the number of accidents at the intersections that were improved. There has also been a 59 per cent decrease in the number of injuries resulting from collisions at these intersections.

"The preliminary statistics are very promising. We're seeing fewer traffic accidents and a decrease in the number of injuries," said Kwei Quaye, SGI's Manager of Traffic Safety Program Evaluation.

"We realize that eight months is not really long enough to form solid conclusions about the effectiveness of the program. But in the meantime, we are getting a general idea of the impact these improvements are having on the frequency of accidents at high-risk intersections. SGI will continue to monitor the number of accidents occurring at these intersections," said Quaye.

The total cost of implementing the changes was $126,430, shared by the City of Saskatoon and SGI. In the first eight months of 1998, SGI has experienced estimated savings in injury claims alone of $176,000.

"We're pleased with the progressive attitude SGI has toward traffic safety initiatives," said Don Cook, City of Saskatoon Traffic Operations Engineer. "We are certainly pleased that we are starting to see benefits from this initiative. Hopefully this trend will continue in the long run."

More than 40 per cent of all traffic accidents in Saskatchewan and about one quarter of all fatal traffic accidents occur at intersections. And most of them happen in urban centres, like Saskatoon and Regina. The intersection improvement program was initiated in Saskatoon in 1996, and has been extended to include Prince Albert and Regina. Improvements in Regina were made in 1998 at 9th Avenue North and Pasqua Street.

For more information, contact:
Kwei Quaye
Manager, Traffic Safety Program Evaluation
SGI
Regina
Phone: (306) 775-6182

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