This study of the sector stems from the first study carried out by the ministry after the tragedy of September 2, 2021, as required by the procedure in the event of a fatal accident. This first analysis has been completed, confirms the MTQ.
Quebec is now evaluating the eligibility of the site for the addition of a photo radar in order to sensitize road users to reduce the speeds practiced
. Speed readings were therefore taken this winter in order to draw up a portrait of traffic in the area
says spokesperson Nicolas Vigneault.
The maximum speed is reduced from 100 to 70 km/h when approaching the intersection, in both directions, over a distance of just under one kilometer. At the time of the accident, the driver involved was traveling at 130 km/h.
The ministry’s devices also made it possible to update the average daily flow at the intersection.
A photo radar makes it possible to reduce the speed in a sector or to ensure that road users respect the red light.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Francis Ferland
Change of direction
The fatal accident of September 2021 is one of the elements analyzed to update this portrait of the dangerousness of the sector. But it is not the only one, underlines Nicolas Vigneault.
The configuration of the road network, the speed, the number of accidents, their seriousness and the safety measures already in place are among the factors studied by the MTQ to determine the accident-prone nature of a place.
In light of the elements that we currently have
the MTQ valued that a serious analysis
was necessary to possibly justify a photo radar. In this analysis, the capacity of the authorities to carry out surveillance campaigns must also be taken into account.
” Are we able to have traditional police surveillance [avec des cinémomètres], suitable for these places? If the answer is “no”, it is an important criterion for the installation of a photo radar. »
The works of MTQ could take from a few weeks to a few months, and will make it possible to formulate recommendations on the measures to be taken.
Change of direction
This reflection by the ministry represents a change of course.
Prior to the September 2021 accident, the MTQ had not considered that a photo radar could be installed at this intersection.
The places designated for the use of these technologies must present a recurring problem of serious bodily accidents related to speed or prohibited crossings at red lights
we explained to Radio-Canada a few months ago to argue this decision.
It was then estimated that the good road records, from 2016 to 2020, disqualified the sector since it did not meet the selection criteria for the installation of a photo radar. According to the ministry, about twenty accidents had occurred during this period, resulting in only minor injuries (3) and material damage (15).
Barely a few days after the fatal accident of September 2, 2021, another event caused serious injuries to a motorcyclist on Dufferin-Montmorency, but this time heading west. The driver of the motorcycle had crashed into a vehicle which was braking to stop at the traffic light at the height of the intersection of boulevard François-de-Laval.
In another collision, a motorcyclist was ejected from his vehicle. (Archives)
Photo: Radio-Canada / Pascal Poinlane
New measures and coroner’s report
In the past, modifications had already been made to the intersection of boulevard François-de-Laval and the Dufferin-Montmorency highway. After a fatal coach accident in 1989, the eastbound red light on Dufferin-Montmorency had been eliminated.
Only vehicles turning left to enter François-de-Laval must stop at the crossroads while waiting for the green light. It is precisely at this place that the car hit last September was waiting, motionless, causing the death of its four occupants.
The Ministère des Transports now intends to consider all possible options to improve the situation, if its analysis deems it necessary. As part of its analyses, the ministry will assess all the road safety measures to be put in place
assures Nicolas Vigneault.
The latter recalls that a coroner’s inquest is underway to shed light on the circumstances of the tragedy. The configuration of the intersection could be discussed there. Analyzes and conclusions [du coroner] could guide the Department’s reflections on the actions to be taken.
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca