Recent uptick in pedestrian involved collisions

KELOWNA – An event was held Tuesday in Kelowna to promote pedestrian safety.

RCMP and ICBC officials handed out small reflectors and information pamphlets to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists at the Harvey Avenue and Cooper Road intersection.

“Crashes with pedestrians spike dramatically in fall and winter as the weather changes and daylight hours decrease,” says ICBC road safey coordinator Christine Kirby in a news release. “When you’re walking, make eye contact, wear bright and reflective clothing and stay focussed on the road. When you’re driving, take extra time to look for pedestrians before turning, avoid distractions and be ready to yield.”

“Police have noticed an increase of pedestrian involved collisions these past several months, not just in Kelowna, but all across the province,” says RCMP spokesperson Cst. Jesse O’Donaghey. “We want to do our part in educating the public in our community at every possible opportunity in hopes of preventing another unnecessary loss of life.”

The following statistics are from ICBC and police data based on the five year average from 2009 to 2013:

· In B.C., 75 per cent of crashes involving pedestrians occur at intersections;

· In the Southern Interior, 51 per cent of crashes involving pedestrians occur at intersections;

· In B.C., on average, 58 pedestrians are killed and 2,400 injured in crashes every year.

· In the Southern Interior, on average, 12 pedestrians are killed and 240 pedestrians are injured in crashes every year;

· In B.C., nearly one in five (18 per cent) people killed in car crashes are pedestrians.

· The top contributing factors for drivers in crashes with pedestrians are: distraction, failure to yield to right of way and weather (fog, sleet, rain, snow).