The Ministère des Transports du Québec (MTQ) is examining the possibility of adding photo radar to reduce speed on the Dufferin-Montmorency highway, near François-de-Laval boulevard, where four people were killed in a collision last year.
This sector study is derived from the first study conducted by the ministry after the tragedy on September 2, 2021, as required by the procedure in case of a fatal accident. This initial review has been completed, confirms MTQ.
Quebec is now under review the eligibility of the site for the addition of a photo radar to sensitize road users to reduce the speeds being made. Reading speeds have therefore taken this winter to draw a picture of traffic in the areasaid spokesman Nicolas Vigneault.
The maximum speed is reduced from 100 to 70 km/h when approaching the intersection, in both directions, at a distance of less than one kilometer. At the time of the accident, the driver involved was traveling at a speed of 130 km/h.
The ministry’s devices were also made to update the average daily flow at the intersection.
A dangerous sector?
The fatal accident in September 2021 was one of the elements examined to update this picture of the dangerousness of the sector. But not only that, Nicolas Vigneault underlined.
The configuration of the road network, the speed, the number of accidents, the seriousness of them and the safety measures are some of the factors studied by MTQ to determine the nature of an accident prone area.
In light of the elements we have at presentang MTQ appreciated which is a serious review is necessary to possibly justify a photo radar. In this review, the capacity of authorities to conduct surveillance campaigns should also be considered.
” Are we able to have traditional police surveillance [avec des cinémomètres], suitable for these areas? If the answer is “no”, this is an important criterion for installing a photo radar. “
The works of MTQ can take from a few weeks to several months, and will make it possible to formulate recommendations on the steps to be taken.
Change of direction
This reflection of ministry represents a change of course.
Prior to the accident in September 2021, the MTQ never thought photo radar could be installed at this intersection.
Areas designated for the use of these technologies must present a recurring problem of serious bodily accidents related to speeding or prohibited crossing at red lights.we explained to Radio-Canada a few months ago to challenge this decision.
It was then estimated that good road records, from 2016 to 2020, disqualified the sector because it did not meet the selection criteria for the installation of a photo radar. According to the ministry, about twenty accidents occurred during this period, resulting in only minor injuries (3) and material damage (15).
A few days after the fatal accident on September 2, 2021, another incident caused serious damage to a motorcyclist in Dufferin-Montmorency, but this time headed west. The driver of the motorcycle collided with a vehicle braking to stop at a traffic light at the height of the intersection of boulevard François-de-Laval.
New measures and coroner’s report
Previously, changes were already made at the intersection of boulevard François-de-Laval and the Dufferin-Montmorency highway. After a fatal coach accident in 1989, the eastbound red light at Dufferin-Montmorency was removed.
Only vehicles that turn left to enter François-de-Laval must stop at the crossroads while waiting for the green light. At this very spot the vehicle that crashed in September was waiting, not moving, causing the deaths of four of its occupants.
The Ministère des Transports now intends to consider all possible options to improve the situation, if it deems it necessary. As part of its reviews, the ministry will assess all road safety measures that will be put in placeassures Nicolas Vigneault.
The latter recalled that a coroner’s investigation was being conducted to shed light on the circumstances of the tragedy. Intersection adjustment can be discussed there. Reviews and conclusions [du coroner] may guide the Department’s reflections on the actions to be taken.
Source: Radio-Canada
