The Vancouver Police and ICBC are launching an education campaign to help keep pedestrians safe.
Crashes involving pedestrians increase at this time of year due to reduced visibility caused by inclement weather and shorter days. On average, 76 per cent more pedestrians are injured in crashes in BC from November through January every year compared to June through August.
Starting today, the Vancouver Police, ICBC and community policing volunteers will be handing out pedestrian safety reflectors and providing tips to help educate pedestrians about the importance of being visible to drivers.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility to be safe and to have responsible pedestrian behaviour,” says Acting Inspector Ken Eng of the VPD’s Traffic Section. “We encourage pedestrians, drivers and cyclists to look out for each other.”
Pedestrian Safety Tips
- always make eye contact with an approaching driver before crossing the road
- assume drivers cannot see you
- wear bright reflective clothing at night or during poor visibility
- don’t J-walk – cross at crosswalks and obey traffic signals
- pay attention –don’t text while walking
Cyclist Safety Tips
- don’t ride bicycles on the sidewalk – stay to the right hand side of the roadway or in designated bike lanes
- use a bell on your bicycle to warn approaching pedestrians and other road users
- bicycles are vehicles and must follow all rules of the road
Driver Safety Tips
- yield to pedestrians on roadways
- watch for pedestrians at intersections, especially when making left- and right-hand turns
- expect the unexpected – a vehicle stopping in the lane beside you may be yielding to a pedestrian crossing the road
