Mission drivers are being urged to look harder for pedestrians as traffic increases and the amount of daylight drops with the arrival of fall.
That’s the message from Mission RCMP, which is highlighting some data from ICBC.
“You see pedestrians when you really look for them,” reads a Mission RCMP tweet. “As visibility and conditions get worse with the changing season, take an extra look and expect the unexpected.”
Many traffic safety campaigns put the focus on pedestrians working harder to be seen, including wearing reflective clothing.
But the RCMP locally put the onus on drivers to stop looking at devices while driving and start watching for pedestrians.
The RCMP linked to an ICBC site on safety.
“When drivers fail to yield, pedestrians pay the price,” says ICBC. “Busy intersections and shorter days mean that drivers need to be extra careful during fall and winter. As the weather changes and daylight hours decrease, pedestrians become more vulnerable.”
Nearly half (45 per cent) of all crashes with pedestrians happen between October and January, says ICBC.
In B.C., 80 per cent of crashes involving pedestrians happen at intersections.
“Whether it’s taking a break from your phone or yielding the right-of-way, we all need to do our part to keep pedestrians safe.”
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Tips for drivers from ICBC
Focus on the road. Always leave your phone alone while driving.
Be ready to yield to pedestrians, especially when turning at intersections and near transit stops.
If a vehicle is stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding for a pedestrian.
Expect the unexpected, even mid-block, as pedestrians may not be crossing within a crosswalk.
ICBC also offers some tips for pedestrians.
Be careful at intersections. Watch for drivers turning left or right through the crosswalk. Drivers may be focused on oncoming traffic and not see you.
Always use crosswalks and follow the pedestrian signs and traffic signals.
Make eye contact with drivers, as it’s hard to see pedestrians when visibility is poor in fall and winter. Never assume that a driver has seen you.
Remove your headphones and take a break from your phone while crossing the road.
Be as reflective as possible to make it easier for drivers to see you in wet weather, at dusk and at night.
@shinebox44
chris.campbell@missioncityrecord.com
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