Intersections

Mate, father, mother, son, daughter – we all know someone that places lives at risk through not following simple road rules and disrespecting intersections.

They might believe they're a good driver or that the road ahead is clear, but tragically, lives continue to be lost at intersections in Selwyn.

Over the past five years in Selwyn, 10 people have died and 78 have been seriously injured due to drivers failing to stop or give way at intersections. Surprisingly, it's not just young or inexperienced drivers – 71% of those responsible held a full driver's licence.

These accidents come with a staggering social harm cost of $257 million, but beyond the financial burden, it's the emotional toll on families, friends, and emergency responders that weighs heavily.

Even near misses leave lasting impacts. We've all seen drivers run stop signs, narrowly avoiding disaster. But what happens when "almost" turns into reality?

Many drivers shrug off their actions when they don't result in a crash or a ticket, perpetuating the dangerous behaviour. But this cycle can be broken if we take action.

If we say nothing, nothing will change, a missed opportunity could cost someone’s life and impact many others.

If you know someone that fails to stop or give way, call them out on it, it could be your loved one who becomes their next victim.

Respecting intersections isn't just about following rules—it's about safeguarding lives. Let's work together to ensure every intersection is treated with the attention and respect it deserves.

Learn when you must give way to other vehicles when driving, and find out what to do at various intersections here.