RCMP provides safety tip to pedestrians and motorists as daylight decreases

With decreasing daylight, the likelihood of pedestrian versus motor vehicle collisions increase, and BC Highway Patrol is warning everyone to remain alert.

“Keep your head in the game,” said BC Highway Patrol Sgt Vince LeBlanc.

“You’re driving a very powerful vehicle and pedestrians and other motorists aren’t always paying attention, so your job as a motorist is to watch everything at all times and expect the unexpected, especially at dawn and dusk when it’s harder to see things,”

“Take more time and use more caution when approaching intersections, crosswalks and schools.”

Sgt LeBlanc says this time of the year local dispatch units see a lot more close calls.

“Not necessarily accidents or people getting injured but some pretty darn close calls that, had it gone slightly differently somebody would be injured or worse.”

“BC Highway Patrol insists that people pay attention when they’re driving, keep their phones in their glove compartments and watch the road for animals, people and other motorists.”

“It’s your safety and their safety at stake here.”

Pedestrians always have the right of way when entering a crosswalk or intersection. However, if an approaching vehicle does not appear to be slowing, the pedestrian risks serious injury or worse if they enter the crosswalk.

Here are some basic tips for pedestrians and motorists:

Pedestrians

• Before entering a designated or non-designated intersection ensure you are satisfied the approaching driver sees you and that the motor vehicle is going to stop
• Look both ways for approaching vehicles before entering the crosswalk
• If you are wearing a hoodie remove the hood so you can see around you
• Take at least one earbud out so you can hear approaching vehicles
• Wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight
• When there are no sidewalks, always walk facing oncoming traffic

Motorists

• Scan crosswalks as many pedestrians are unaware of the distance it takes a motor vehicle to stop
•  Do not enter a crosswalk before checking to see that it is empty
•  Be aware of vision blocks- do not pass if you see another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk as the driver may have stopped to let pedestrians pass
•  When making a turn, always check for pedestrians