Everybody loves to make a list of top-five things, but this one we could do without.
Barrie police have compiled a list of the top five intersections known for motor vehicle collisions and it won’t come to anyone’s surprise that they all see heavy traffic throughout the year.
The areas of concern in order with the number of incidences in the year are:
- Dunlop Street West and Ferndale Drive North (13)
- Highway 400 and Mapleview Drive West (11)
- Dunlop Street and Hart Drive (10)
- Duckworth Street and Georgian Drive (10)
- Bayfield Street and Coulter Street (8)
Const. Sarah Bamford says that there is a common theme with the intersections and hopefully people take notice of that and proceed with extra caution.
“These intersections are by the highway and that is the first indication of heavy traffic being a main issue,” said Bamford. “In the case of Dunlop and Ferndale, it is not only close to the highway but it is also the gateway to and from Barrie from the west end.
"Anyone leaving the Angus area may use that route to hit Highway 400 and then heading home from work, too, but also some of these collisions have been occurring in the winter months and that is a heavily driven area as people are heading to the winter playgrounds of Collingwood and such," she added. "In those winter months, we definitely encourage folks to take their time and be alert.”
The breakdown of these collisions does not include the age of those involved, but the times are generally between rush-hour times of 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. and the months of January and February.
In the 52 collisions, there have only been 10 minor injuries, which is the good news.
Many underlying factors come into play, but the other obvious factor is how Barrie’s population is growing and that more and more people are on local roads.
“Barrie is growing and with that growth comes more people with more cars,” said Bamford. “Not only are more people becoming residents, but the intersection of Duckworth and Georgian can possibly be seen as having to do with the heavy college footprint.
"A lot of people are coming and going from that area and again, it is right by the highway.”
While some might look at how large the population of Barrie is, the highway factor and winter months and feel that the collisions could be higher, Bamford believes any collision should be considered one too many and awareness should be practised.
“Of course, accidents happen and we all known that, but that 52 number could be brought down with a little extra caution,” she said. “Just remember these intersections when you’re driving and approach with a little bit more alertness and be aware especially of bike lanes and pedestrians.
"There are many new bike lanes throughout the city and they are clearly marked, take a look and know your surroundings," Bamford added. "Also, when approaching an intersection proceed with caution, stop at a red light and remember that a yellow light is not an invitation to gun it.”
Barrie police hope that, with these numbers coming out, it will remind drivers that kids are heading back to school and that there will not only be more cars out and about locally but also many kids’ walking to school and buses dropping them off.
