Near Misses at Waterloo Intersections Reveal Hidden Dangers for Pedestrians and Cyclists – What Injured Individuals Need to Know

June 21, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

A recent seven-month study conducted by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) in partnership with Miovision has shed light on a growing public safety concern: the staggering number of near-miss incidents occurring daily at intersections across Canada, including several high-traffic locations in Waterloo Region. With over 616,000 near misses recorded at just 20 intersections, the findings reveal a troubling reality—these crossings pose serious risks, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.

For those injured—or nearly injured—in these environments, the report also underscores the importance of knowing your legal rights. At Deutschmann de Koning Law, we specialize in helping individuals navigate personal injury claims related to unsafe road conditions and negligent driving behaviour.

The Hidden Cost of a “Near Miss”

While a near miss may not result in immediate physical harm, it often reflects a split-second difference between safety and a life-altering injury. According to the study, the most dangerous interactions occurred during vehicle turns:

• 55% of pedestrian near misses involved vehicles turning right.
• 50% of cyclist near misses also involved right-turning cars.
• Left-turning vehicles were responsible for an additional 34% of pedestrian and 36% of cyclist close calls.

In many of these cases, vulnerable road users were legally in the crosswalk or cycling lane, but still found themselves at risk due to driver inattention, unclear signalling, or poorly designed intersections.

When Near Misses Become Injury Claims

The line between a near miss and a personal injury can be razor thin. Many clients who contact Deutschmann de Koning Law have experienced incidents where they were hit, sideswiped, or knocked down by turning vehicles. Others were forced into evasive action—leaping out of the way, dropping groceries, falling from bicycles—leading to fractures, sprains, and ongoing psychological trauma such as anxiety or PTSD.

In these situations, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim under Ontario law. Factors that contribute to a successful case include:

• Driver negligence (e.g., failure to yield, distracted driving)
• Poor infrastructure design (e.g., lack of protected turning lanes)
• Inadequate pedestrian/cyclist signals

Whether you were struck or injured while avoiding a collision, your experience deserves legal attention.

Infrastructure Failures and Municipal Liability

The CAA study also found that many high-risk intersections lack common-sense safety features such as dedicated turn signals, pedestrian head-start intervals, and clear sightlines. These omissions can expose municipalities and contractors to liability for unsafe road design.

If you were injured in an intersection known for frequent near misses, you may have a claim not only against the driver but also against the city or organization responsible for its upkeep.

At Deutschmann de Koning Law, our team has deep experience in infrastructure-related personal injury claims. We understand how to gather the right evidence, consult expert witnesses, and hold public entities accountable when poor planning puts lives at risk.

Why Choose Deutschmann de Koning?

Based in Waterloo Region, Deutschmann de Koning Law offers:

• Decades of experience in personal injury law
• Proven results in pedestrian and cyclist injury cases
• A compassionate, client-focused approach
• Free consultations to help you understand your options

We’re committed to making streets safer by advocating for those injured in preventable incidents. If you've experienced a near miss, a collision, or ongoing trauma related to intersection safety, you don’t have to face it alone.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve been injured—or narrowly escaped injury—at a dangerous intersection in Ontario, call us at Deutschmann de Koning Law. We’ll evaluate your case, protect your rights, and help you seek the compensation you deserve.

Deutschmann de Koning Law – Your trusted personal injury lawyers in Waterloo Region. Advocating for those injured in unsafe intersections, turning vehicle incidents, and pedestrian or cyclist collisions across Ontario.

Call today to book your free consultation.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.