Route 170 in Larouche was once again the scene of an accident on Sunday afternoon, when a driver was seriously injured and three other people were taken to hospital.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that an accident has occurred at this intersection. The citizens and the municipality want the intersection to be made safe quickly.
The intersection of route 170 here in Larouche is the scene of many accidents. Many citizens admit that the place is dangerous and some admit having been scared many times when taking the curve towards the village of Larouche.
The mayor also admitted that the problem has been present for several years.
“We have listed four major accidents since February 5 this year, apart from those that are not listed, including several collisions,” said Mayor Guy Lavoie.
And it is as problematic for those who come from Jonquière who have to cross the median to get to Larouche, as those who want to get out to get to Lac-Saint-Jean or even on rue des Épinettes.
Several factors
The Ministry of Transport points out that the speed limit, which is 90 km/h in the sector, is often not respected, in addition to the by-law obliging to give way. Other factors include snow banks that obstruct motorists’ visibility and glare from the sun at certain times of the day.
“The impacts are on both sides. What we had noted at the Ministry of Transport is that people know more or less how things work with the embankment. Often, we find that there are two or three vehicles in the same direction going into the median, it is even more problematic and even more dangerous for vision, “explained the mayor.
Petition that goes a long way
Joanie Martel-Roy, a citizen of Larouche, launched a petition last August for things to change.
“I found that there were several accidents at this intersection and there were several citizens to find that there was a need for a change. Often it’s silly accidents that happen that could be even more serious like the one that happened yesterday, “she explained.
Yesterday’s accident prompted many to sign the petition which now has over 1000 signatures.
“We think it might be possible to lower the speed to 70 km/h on the approaches to the village. Maybe put a light too,” suggested Ms. Martel-Roy.
“I think it may just give us ammunition for meetings with the Ministry of Transport. The discontent of the citizens, we feel it. Safety is priceless. Ideally, it would be to go there as soon as possible,” added Mr. Lavoie.
At the Ministry of Transport, the authorities are well aware of the problem. Moreover, surveillance cameras have been installed in the last year. The latter ensures that it intervenes regularly to reduce the height of snowbanks in order to improve visibility. Meetings should eventually take place with the municipality to explore possible avenues.