I’ve come across several intersections in Okotoks where it seems like something as simple as a directional arrow on the pavement or a sign hanging from the signal light could really help with traffic flow.
These intersections tend to be a little ambiguous when it comes to which lane is meant for turning and which is designed to go straight, so when you throw in driver behaviour, including those who view turn signals as optional, it can result in some close calls or worse.
I often find myself at the intersection in front of the police station, looking to turn left onto Southridge Drive from Woodhaven Drive. Much of the traffic across Southridge on Hunters Gate is also looking to make a left to head north so even though there aren’t designated left turn lanes on either side of the intersection, it tends to flow pretty well.
I find things can go off the rails quite easily, however, in a couple of common ways.
When I’m looking to turn left, I must give the right-of-way to those coming straight through, which would presumably be those without a turn signal activated, yet without fail, there’s someone who turns without a signal or who belatedly sticks it on mid-turn.
I suspect they either believe they’re in a left turn lane so they don’t need to put on a signal or the flow of traffic is so ingrained they’re essentially on autopilot. The only harm they cause is forcing me to wait to see their intentions, so admittedly it’s not a big deal if I get to Wendy’s or Walmart a couple of seconds later.
Where I find it gets a little more precarious is when those autopilot folks encounter someone coming straight through. They’re so accustomed to drivers on both sides turning left, they’re startled when someone doesn’t do so, often turning in front of them even though they don’t have the right-of-way.
There’s an option for those going straight to stay to the right, but doing so blocks those behind them looking to make a right turn and then when you do cross the intersection, you’re not in a lane of travel. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to get out of the travel lane simply because it’s become a de facto left turn lane, although in many cases I’ve found it can be safer to do so.
The intersection in front of the police station is just one of several in town where this dance plays out with regularity, so it seems that all we’re missing in these instances is a little more definition. If those are meant to be left turn lanes, then let’s mark them accordingly; if they’re not intended for that purpose, then let’s make that apparent as well.
Whether it’s some paint on the pavement or directional signs overhead, giving drivers some certainty over what lane goes where could go a long way to clarifying things. I’m not under any illusion that improved markings will solve the issue entirely, but it might make drivers more aware of the intentions of others.
