SGI is highlighting right-of-way rules for this month's Traffic Safety Spotlight in hopes of helping drivers make better choices on Saskatchewan streets.

Those rules consist of what people should do at intersections, such as looking both ways, anticipating a change to red, and using signals when turning.

SGI Spokesperson Tyler McMurchy says that adhering to best practices can help drivers be a lot safer.

"We are trying to spice up your life by giving you some advice on how to avoid some very preventable collisions and we're talking about one of the leading causes of all collisions is failure to yield. It's a factor in about 10% of all collisions on Saskatchewan roads, so we want drivers to just maybe be a little bit more mindful."

SGI offered other tips on how to avoid collisions by being alert and yielding the right of way:

  • Be alert and eliminate distractions. Driving requires your full, undivided attention. Keep your focus on the road.
  • Always come to a complete stop before the crosswalk or stop line at stop signs and red lights and proceed when safe.
  • If the intersection allows right turns at a red light, ensure you come to a complete stop. Wait for approaching traffic and pedestrians to clear before proceeding into the first available driving lane.
  • When turning left on a green light, ensure oncoming traffic and pedestrians have cleared before proceeding.
  • At uncontrolled intersections, always yield to the vehicle on the right.
  • Ensure there's room for you to merge into a lane before making your move.
  • Watch for pedestrians. Give them the space they need to cross safely and yield to them where appropriate.

Failing to pay attention can also have a cost through potential tickets.

"Most tickets involving a failure to come to a stop at a red light or a stop sign, or failing to yield to a pedestrian at a crosswalk," said McMurchy, "The ticket is $230 and four demerits for all of those offences."