Durham Region is taking steps to make busy intersections safer by introducing Positive Offset Left Turns (POLTs), a new road design aimed at improving visibility for drivers making left turns.
POLTs adjust the position of left-turn lanes by shifting them farther to the left, giving drivers a clearer view of oncoming traffic. This layout helps prevent vehicles from blocking each other’s line of sight, which can often lead to collisions.
According to Durham Region, left-turn-related collisions are the most common type of crashes at intersections, accounting for roughly one-third of all fatal and injury incidents. By enhancing sightlines and enabling safer turning decisions, POLTs are expected to significantly reduce these types of accidents while also improving overall traffic flow.
These redesigned intersections can already be found throughout Durham, and the region plans to install more in the near future.
This initiative is part of the region’s Vision Zero Strategic Road Safety Action Plan, which targets the reduction of traffic collisions, injuries, and fatalities.
For more information about the POLT initiative, residents can visit durham.ca/POLT.