Pedestrians and cyclists are experiencing near-fatal close calls at Canadian intersections every day, according to a new study from the Canadian Automobile Association.
The CAA’s Intersection Safety Study, released Tuesday, recorded more than 600,000 near misses over seven months at just 20 intersections across the country — a staggering figure that underscores the risks for vulnerable road users and the need for design improvements.
Using 360-degree cameras and artificial intelligence, the study tracked dangerous incidents in real time, revealing an average of more than one potentially fatal close call per day, per intersection.
“These are not isolated incidents — they’re regular reminders of why we need to improve intersection safety across the country,” said Ian Jack, CAA’s national vice president of public affairs.
The study, conducted in partnership with traffic analytics company Miovision, is the largest of its kind in Canada. Researchers monitored intersections in seven provinces — including Saskatchewan — and found most near misses involved vehicles making right turns, with pedestrians and cyclists frequently placed in harm’s way.
More than half of near misses involving pedestrians (55 per cent) and cyclists (50 per cent) occurred when drivers turned right. Left turns were also risky, accounting for 34 per cent of pedestrian conflicts and 36 per cent involving cyclists.
“These representative intersections reveal just how common serious near misses can be — but also where small changes could make a big difference,” Jack said.
Recommendations based on the findings include: installing dedicated right-turn lanes, leading pedestrian intervals (which allow pedestrians to begin crossing before vehicles move), and dedicated left-turn signals to minimize conflict.
Kurtis McBride, CEO of Miovision, said using AI-powered data gives cities a real-time edge.
“This study shows why it’s so important to use real-time data to expedite critical safety decisions,” said McBride. “As more cities embrace a proactive approach, our technology empowers them to act faster and build safer streets for everyone.”
Data extrapolated nationwide indicates one in every 770 pedestrians and one in every 500 cyclists could experience a high-risk or critical near miss — defined as having an 85 per cent chance of causing serious injury or death.
The study also supports a Safe Systems Approach, which assumes human error is inevitable and promotes safer road infrastructure to reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes.
In the meantime, CAA is urging both drivers and vulnerable road users to stay vigilant at intersections.
Tips for drivers include:
-
Coming to a full stop before turning right on red
-
Scanning crosswalks and bike lanes in all directions
-
Making eye contact with pedestrians and cyclists
-
Slowing down and shoulder checking when turning
Pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to:
-
Cross at marked intersections
-
Avoid jaywalking
-
Wear reflective clothing in low light
-
Stay alert and avoid distractions
Full study results and safety tips are available at CAA.ca.