PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

ICBC & RCMP launch pedestrian safety campaign with winter quickly approaching

Oct 19, 2021 | 2:02 PM

PRINCE GEORGE– With the weather turning colder, and the days becoming shorter, it means that it gets darker quicker.

In response to that ICBC and RCMP are launching a pedestrian safety campaign to urge pedestrians and drivers to stay safe. A big reason for the campaign is crashes involving pedestrians nearly double starting at this time of year.

Provincially 52 pedestrians were killed and 2400 injured in 2700 crashes every year. 55% of those fatalities happen between October and January. In the North Central region, we have 53 pedestrians injured in 79 reported crashes.

However, there is an easy way to prevent those crashes, and a big part of that is motorists being aware of their surroundings and not getting distracted while driving. Drivers should take extra time to scan for pedestrians near transit stops and before turning at intersections, avoid distractions and be ready to yield.

However, this is a two-way problem and sometimes the driver isn’t at fault. Pedestrians can help stay safe by making eye contact with drivers, watching for drivers turning left or right at intersections, and using designated crosswalks. Another great tip is wearing reflective items when walking at night so a motorist can see you.

This year’s campaign features online advertising that reminds drivers: you see pedestrians when you really look for them.