Fall is here, and ICBC says the number of pedestrians injured in crashes nearly doubles from October to January.
“The days are getting shorter, the weather is getting darker earlier, and the weather is getting poorer. It might be poor visibility out there,” said Aileen Shibata, ICBC road safety program manager.
B.C’s public auto insurer is launching a pedestrian safety campaign with police, she said. Along with radio and online ads, ICBC and community policing volunteers will be handing out reflectors and safety tips in high pedestrian traffic areas, to help pedestrians stay visible.
Get breaking National news
“The message for drivers is to focus on the road and be ready to yield to pedestrians at all times, especially when you’re turning in the intersection or you’re near transit stops,” Shibata said. “A pedestrian could be running for the bus, for example. And of course, leave your phone alone so you’ve got your full attention focused on the road.”
- 2 seriously hurt, 11 others injured in B.C. crash that shut down Highway 99
- Multi-vehicle crash including double-decker bus closes Highway 99 in Delta
- Cause of fiery Calgary bus crash that killed 3 passengers, injured 16 under investigation
- Young father killed when motorcycle crashes into Edmonton bus shelter
Stats show that most pedestrians are struck between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day, and on average, there are 2,100 crashes involving pedestrians each year on the Lower Mainland.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.