This yield sign at the intersection of the 600 blk. of Burrows Ave. E. and Bemford Ave. in Melfort is just one that sees vehicles blow through it without pause on a daily basis. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Intersection safety

Road signs aren’t suggestions: Melfort RCMP telling drivers to pay attention

Nov 21, 2025 | 12:13 PM

Melfort’s Detachment Commander wants local motorists to pay attention to and obey road signs.

Recent complaints on social media forums in the Melfort area have bemoaned a trend of drivers not complying with yield and stop signs in the city.

S. Sgt. Ryan Case told northeastNOW that traffic violations and driving behaviour are always top concerns of residents and elected officials alike.

“All motorists need to pay attention to traffic control devices that they need to adhere to,” Case said. “They also need to monitor other vehicles that they encounter so that they don’t become involved in a collision.”

Case said defensive driving is as important as adhering to the rules of the road themselves, and if you spot someone disobeying yield or stop signs, or running red lights, you can contact local police. Tickets can be issued to violators, and should the suspect plead not guilty, the witness could be called to court to testify when the trial is set.

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“Photos and video are also very beneficial to support the charge, but the witness or the person taking the video will still need to testify in court.”

Motorists are expected to know how to recognize each specific traffic control device, Case said, and to know the legal obligations put on them by that sign. There are several different intersection-related violations under the Traffic Safety Act, and Case said violations mean a fine of $230 and four demerit points.

“Motorists need to remember that they must stop when making right turns on a red light and that it is a traffic violation to go through yellow lights at these intersections,” Case explained. “The yellow light does not allow vehicles to speed up and go through the intersection. When faced with a yellow light, motorists need to slow down and not enter the intersection.”

If they are in the intersection when the light turns yellow, they can clear the intersection but must do so in a safe manner.

Case said it is extremely common for collisions to occur at intersections, and most have a traffic control device like a yield sign, stop sign, or stop light.

“When a collision occurs at an intersection, more than likely a motorist has not done something proper which would also result in an illegal driving act,” Case said. “Even if an intersection is not controlled with any signage, there are still obligations on drivers when they approach uncontrolled intersections.”

Drivers are also reminded to obey speed limits as speeding can affect a vehicle’s ability to stop in enough time to avoid a collision. Case said it’s even more important to abide by the rules of the road in school zones because of the presence of children who may not be paying attention to vehicles on the road.

“A big issue is also vehicles not stopping for school buses when the red flashing lights are illuminated and the stop sign is out,” said Case. “Motorists are required to stop for school buses and not pass it when the stop sign is out.”

Vehicles must remain stopped until the sign is not out and must stop at least five meters in front of or behind a school bus in these situations. Violations mean a fine of $360 and four demerit points on your license.

Case said it’s important to pay close attention to intersection safety.

“The top three causes of serious injuries and fatalities in collisions are intersection-related violations, impairment, and improper seatbelt use.”

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com