Break & Enter
Vanderhoof RCMP request the public’s assistance regarding a recent Break and Enter at the Fountain Tire Shop currently under construction.
The RCMP were called to the site just after 7am on September 26, 2012 to a report of a break and enter and theft of numerous tools and equipment. It was learned that sometime between 10pm on September 25 and 7am September 26 unknown suspect(s) entered the premises and stole a substantial amount of tools and equipment.
It is estimated that the suspects would have been at the premises for approximately 10-20 minutes in order to remove the equipment they did. Stolen from the premises were two welders and numerous impact wrenches and shop related equipment.
The new Fountain Tire site is located on Highway 16 (west side of Vanderhoof), near the Museum.
Anyone who may have seen a vehicle or persons in the area are asked to contact tot he Vanderhoof RCMP at 250-567-2222 or Crimestoppers at (800)-222 TIPS (8477).
Traffic Lights at Hwy 16/2nd St E
Many residents may have noticed that the lights at the intersection of Hwy 16/2nd St E (Tim Hortons Intersection) have been changing to a flashing yellow/red. These incidents are quite frequent and the Ministry of Transportation is aware of the issue. They have advised that they are actively seeking out a solution and are working with the various agencies and service providers to correct the issue.
However, the Vanderhoof RCMP have noticed that many drivers appear to be confused about what to do when approaching the intersection and have noted that there have been several close calls at the intersection. Sections 125 through 134 of the Motor Vehicle Act deal with traffic control devices, and more specifically, traffic signals. Section 131 defines what to do when approaching an intersection where flashing signals (lights) are presented to the driver. As this intersection produces a Flashing Red Light to 2nd St East and a flashing yellow light to Highway 16 (both directions), here are the details regarding those specifically.
Flashing red light
131 (1) When rapid intermittent flashes to red light are exhibited at an intersection by a traffic control signal,
(a) the driver of a vehicle approaching the intersection and facing the flashes of red light must cause the vehicle to stop before entering the marked crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if there is no marked crosswalk then before entering the intersection, and must not cause the vehicle to proceed until it is safe to do so, and
(b) a pedestrian facing the flashes of red light may proceed with caution across the roadway, in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Flashing yellow light
131 (3) When rapid intermittent flashes of yellow light are exhibited at an intersection by a traffic control signal,
(a) the driver of a vehicle facing the flashes of yellow light may cause it to enter the intersection and proceed only with caution, but must yield the right of way to pedestrians lawfully in the intersection or an adjacent crosswalk, and
(b) a pedestrian facing the flashes of yellow light may proceed with caution across the roadway, in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
Summary
As noted, when approaching an intersection with a flashing red light you must stop your vehicle and then proceed into the intersection when safe to do so. When approaching an intersection with a flashing yellow, be alert, approach the intersection with caution and proceed through the intersection once it is safe to do so. On a flashing yellow, there is no requirement to come to a complete stop, however, you do have to be alert and only proceed through the intersection when it is safe to do so.
Drive safe.
