Improving the sightline for drivers making left turns

Whitby, Ontario – Turning left at busy intersections just got easier. Durham Region is redesigning designated intersections to incorporate Positive Offset Left Turns (POLTs) as part of the Durham Vision Zero Strategic Road Safety Action Plan. POLTs move the left-turn lanes farther to the left, so drivers trying to turn left can see oncoming traffic better and avoid blocking each other’s view.

Where: POLTs can be found at intersections throughout Durham Region, with plans to introduce more in the near future. 

Why: Collisions caused by turning movements are the most common types of collisions at intersections in the Region—representing approximately one-third of all fatal and injury collisions at intersections.

POLTs provide drivers making a left turn at an intersection with a clearer view of oncoming traffic. This makes it easier for drivers to judge safe gaps for turning and reduces the risk of a collision, while improving traffic flow.

Note: To learn more about POLTs, visit durham.ca/POLT. To learn more about Durham Vision Zero, visit durham.ca/VisionZero.