Making a right turn safer
Photo: Jarvis Autey, UBC 2012
The city of Kelowna is upgrading a number of intersections this year to increase the safety of right-hand turns.
The “Smart Channel” signal for right turns improves the lines of sight for drivers so that they can turn safely while paying attention to pedestrians.
“This is a great example of the evolution of road safety,” says Chad Williams, transportation planning engineer. “This geometrical reconfiguration of the right-hand turns improves the lines of sight and simplifies the turning movement, which reduces collisions.”
The design forces the vehicle to enter the cross street at a sharper angle, reducing the turning radius and making the driver slower.
The sharper entry angle also means that more of the intersection and cross street is within the driver’s immediate cone of vision. As a result, the driver does not have to do a sharp check of the left shoulder, which makes turning easier. Finally, this arrangement also positions crossing pedestrians more directly in the line of sight of oncoming vehicles, which increases their visibility to drivers.
“ICBC annually funds road improvement projects that reduce collisions,” says Williams. “Last year ICBC invested more than $ 170,000 in Kelowna projects to ensure safety.”
Improvements are currently underway on Gordon Drive and Clement Avenue and are expected to be completed by mid-April. People walking or cycling are asked to use an alternative route.
Smart right turns have already been made on Cooper and Benvoulin Streets, as well as Gerstmar and Springfield Streets.
In 2021, the city will improve three more junctions in Kelowna:
- Bernard Avenue and Spall Road
- Clifton Road and Clement Avenue
- Leathead Road and Hwy 97
The safer right turns have been used with great success in Penticton for years. Accidents were reduced by more than 50 percent after the safer turn lanes were installed along Channel Parkway.
Photo: Jarvis Autey, UBC 2012
Before and after changes to three right turns in Penticton. Similar changes are being made at some junctions in Kelowna.
