4.3 Intersections, Passing, and Signs
Key Takeaways
- Intersections are the most dangerous road locations, with oncoming left-turning cars representing the highest crash risk.
- Riders should weave within their lane (create motion contrast) and cover their brake and clutch controls when approaching intersections.
- Uncontrolled intersections require yielding to the vehicle on the right; turning left requires yielding to straight-through traffic.
- Roundabouts require entering from the correct lane, yielding to traffic inside, avoiding large trucks, and signalling only on exit.
- Alberta's 'slow down, move over' law requires slowing to 60 km/h (or the posted limit if lower) and moving over when passing emergency vehicles with flashing lights.
4.3 Intersections, Passing, and Signs
Intersections represent the single most dangerous roadway environment for motorcyclists. According to Alberta collision statistics, the vast majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur at intersections. The most frequent scenario is an oncoming passenger vehicle turning left directly across the motorcycle's path. This collision pattern is driven by size-constancy bias and inattentional blindness, where a driver's visual search pattern is scanning for the larger profiles of cars or trucks, causing them to completely overlook the narrow profile of an oncoming motorcycle. To survive intersections and navigate traffic safely, riders must master right-of-way rules, roundabout procedures, passing protocols, and Alberta's emergency vehicle slow-down laws.
The Intersection Danger: Left-Turning Vehicles
Because a motorcycle's small profile makes it difficult for other drivers to estimate its oncoming speed and distance, left-turning drivers often pull out, assuming they have enough time to clear the intersection. Motorcyclists must approach all intersections with extreme caution and apply defensive strategies:
- Create Motion Contrast: As you approach an intersection, weave slightly within your lane (remaining inside your lane boundaries). This lateral movement creates motion contrast against the background, making you far more visible to oncoming turning drivers. This is often referred to as the S.M.I.D.S.Y. (Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You) maneuver, which breaks the visual illusion of a stationary object.
- Flash the Brake Light: Gently tap your brake control to flash your brake light. This alerts drivers behind you that you are slowing down.
- Cover Your Controls: Position your fingers over the brake lever and clutch, and your foot over the rear brake pedal to eliminate reaction lag time. If a driver pulls out, having your controls covered reduces stopping distance by several meters.
- Scan Wheels: Watch the front wheels of stopped vehicles; wheel rotation is the first physical indicator that a vehicle is starting to move.
- Avoid Blind Spots of Leading Cars: When approaching an intersection behind another vehicle, stay out of their blind spots. A leading vehicle can block your view of oncoming traffic and block the oncoming driver's view of you.
Right-Of-Way and Uncontrolled Intersections
At intersections without traffic signs, signals, or road markings, Alberta right-of-way rules apply. An uncontrolled intersection is highly dangerous for riders, particularly in residential areas.
- Yield to the Right: You must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on your right. If you arrive at an uncontrolled intersection and a vehicle is approaching from your right, you must slow down or stop to let them pass.
- Turning Vehicles: Any vehicle turning left must yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic that is traveling straight through the intersection.
- T-Intersections: At a T-intersection without signs, the driver on the terminating road must yield the right-of-way to all traffic on the through road.
- Green Light Caution: When a traffic light turns green, do not immediately rush into the intersection. Count to two and perform a visual check (left, center, right, and left again) to ensure no vehicles are running the red light.
Navigating Roundabouts Safely
Roundabouts improve traffic flow and reduce high-speed collisions, but they require riders to manage their space and signals carefully.
- Lane Selection: When approaching a multi-lane roundabout, choose your lane based on your destination. To turn right or go straight, enter in the right lane. To go straight, turn left, or perform a U-turn, enter in the left lane. You must enter and exit the roundabout in the same lane.
- Yielding: Yield to traffic already inside the roundabout before entering. Traffic inside moves counter-clockwise.
- Avoid Large Vehicles: Do not ride side-by-side with large trucks or buses inside a roundabout. Due to off-tracking, a truck's trailer wheels will cut into the adjacent lane, posing a severe squeeze hazard. Always stay behind them.
- Signalling: Do not signal when entering the roundabout. Instead, activate your right turn signal immediately after passing the exit prior to your desired exit.
Passing and Lane Change Protocols
Passing other vehicles on two-lane roads requires high situational awareness. Before attempting a pass, riders should use the SCAN protocol: Sweep the road ahead, check mirrors, shoulder check in the direction of the move, signal, and perform a final shoulder check before initiating the lane change.
Road Markings and Passing Rules
Alberta utilizes yellow and white lines to regulate passing and lane changes:
- Broken Yellow Line: Passing is permitted when safe.
- Single Solid Yellow Line: Passing is prohibited. A solid yellow line down the center of a two-lane highway means passing is not permitted.
- Double Solid Yellow Line: Passing is strictly prohibited in both directions.
- Solid White Line: Lane changes are discouraged and should be avoided unless necessary.
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked vehicles on a city street, riders should occupy Lane Position 1 (the left third of the lane). This keeps the rider out of the "door zone" where doors may swing open suddenly. It also provides a safety buffer in case a parked vehicle pulls out or a pedestrian steps out from between cars. Watch for cues like exhaust fumes, turned steering wheels, or occupied seats.
Emergency Vehicles and Slow-Down Laws
Alberta’s "slow down, move over" law protects emergency responders and roadside workers. When passing a stopped emergency vehicle (police, fire, ambulance), tow truck, or maintenance/construction vehicle with its flashing lights active:
- Slow Down: You must reduce your speed to a maximum of 60 km/h if you are traveling in the lane immediately adjacent to the stopped vehicle. If the posted speed limit is lower than 60 km/h, you must slow down to that posted limit.
- Move Over: If the road has multiple lanes in your direction, you must move over to the adjacent lane if it is safe to do so, providing a full lane buffer.
- Fines: Fines are doubled for speeding past stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights active.
Alberta Road Markings and Rules
| Marking Type | Graphic Representation | Passing / Lane Change Rule | Safety Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broken Yellow | _ _ _ _ _ _ | Passing permitted when safe | Separates oncoming traffic; visibility is sufficient to pass safely. |
| Solid Yellow | ___________ | Passing prohibited | Separates oncoming traffic; sightlines are restricted (e.g., hills/curves). |
| Double Solid Yellow | =========== | Passing strictly prohibited | Both directions are barred from passing due to extreme danger. |
| Solid White | ___________ | Lane changes discouraged | Identifies lane boundaries near intersections or hazard zones. |
What is the single most common cause of multi-vehicle motorcycle collisions at intersections?
Under Alberta's 'slow down, move over' safety laws, what is the maximum speed allowed when passing a stopped emergency vehicle or tow truck with flashing lights active in an adjacent lane?
When passing a row of parked cars on the right-hand side of a city street, which position should you occupy in the lane to avoid suddenly opened car doors or vehicles pulling out?