Burlington: The Roads Where You Should Be Extra Careful

Burlington is indeed a beautiful place to be, with its charming streets, vibrant shops, and beautiful scenery. But there's another side to Burlington that's not so great—its roads.

It can be quite difficult to drive in this town. People often talk about the most dangerous road intersections in the area and how accidents happen there.

Whether you're new to the city or have lived here for a while, it's important to know which roads require extra attention. Being aware of this can help you avoid getting into a risky situation.

Why Burlington's Roads Can Be Challenging

Many streets were built before the city's population grew, and they can't handle today's traffic. The roads have sharp turns, narrow lanes, and complex intersections, making driving difficult.
Potholes are common and can surprise drivers, making the roads even more dangerous.
Drivers who aren't paying attention make the situation worse.
Staying alert while driving is important in this challenging environment.

Beware of These Roads

First, let's start with Maple Avenue. Although it sounds nice, driving there during busy times can be tough because of heavy traffic, especially near schools.
Another road to be careful on is Fairview Street. It's one of the busiest routes in the city, and drivers often make sudden turns at intersections, leading to confusion. You need to have eyes in the back of your head, especially at the intersections.
And, if you thought those were bad, wait until you hit Appleby Line. The problem with Appleby Line is that people seem to forget their driving manners here. They’ll cut you off like they’re in a race, and if you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself in a sticky situation real quick.
Finally, we have the Guelph Line. Now, this one might look straightforward on a map, but don’t let that fool you. The thing with the Guelph Line is the sheer unpredictability.
The number of accidents here speaks for itself. One minute you’re cruising along just fine, and the next, you’re braking hard because someone misjudged a turn.

Some Challenging Intersections

Some intersections in Burlington can be tricky. One example is where Lakeshore Road meets Brant Street. Many accidents happen here because drivers often ignore traffic rules. The layout may be confusing, or drivers might just be in a rush, but it's a place where you need to be extra careful.
Another challenging intersection is at Walkers Line and Upper Middle Road. Many accidents happen here because of speeding and limited visibility. It's easy to misjudge the speed of oncoming cars, so it's a dangerous spot.
And then, the busy areas of Appleby Line and Dundas Street can be overwhelming, especially for new drivers.

Pedestrians and Cyclists

Don’t think you’re off the hook just because you’re on foot or a bike. Burlington can be challenging for pedestrians and cyclists too. Crossing Brant Street during busy times can be difficult, with traffic coming from all directions.
Drivers may not always pay attention. Cyclists struggle on Fairview Street, where bike lanes are often ignored and drivers don't give them enough space. If you are a pedestrian or cyclist in Burlington, you need to be as careful as the drivers.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe

Time to shift the focus from negative to positive.
Let’s talk about how to stay safe while driving on Burlington’s roads.
First, slow down. It’s really important. The faster you drive, the less time you have to react if someone else makes a mistake—or if you do.
Pay close attention to the areas with a higher risk, as mentioned earlier.
Check your mirrors regularly, use your signals early, and never assume that the other driver can see you.
You must also do all you can to avoid distractions. It's common advice, but it’s said for a good reason. Even a quick glance at your phone or adjusting the radio can have serious consequences.
Lastly, be patient. Burlington’s roads can be frustrating, especially during rush hour. Getting angry won’t improve the situation. In fact, it’ll only make things worse.
So, take a deep breath and remember that arriving safely is more important than not arriving at all.

Pic: imagesource