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RCMP caution drivers to be safe at dangerous Courtenay intersection

Comox Valley RCMP have investigated three separate collisions at the intersection of Ryan Road and Lerwick Road over the past two weeks.

Comox Valley RCMP have investigated three separate collisions at the intersection of Ryan Road and Lerwick Road over the past two weeks.

Although there were no serious injuries involved, there was property damage and traffic delays caused by these crashes.

In a five-year period from 2007 to 2011, the detachment has investigated 143 crashes at this intersection, 78 of those involving injuries. In 2012, Comox Valley RCMP investigated 13 collisions at this intersection, five of which involved injuries.

Many of these collisions have involved vehicles turning left into the path of oncoming vehicles. Others are attributed to vehicles entering the intersection on stale yellow or red lights.

The Comox Valley RCMP's traffic section remind the public to slow down and drive with care. Drivers turning left must yield to oncoming traffic and can proceed only when safe to do so on a green light.

Motorists are also reminded that a yellow light is advance warning to stop, not to speed up and try to clear the intersection before the light turns red.

When starting out on a green light, it's also recommended you take a moment and look both ways to ensure the intersection is clear before you enter it.

— Comox Valley RCMP