Eyes up, be seen and never step off a curb unless traffic has stopped – that’s advice Burnaby RCMP is urging pedestrians to take during Pedestrian Safety Month this month.
With shorter and darker days, nearly half of all crashes involving pedestrians happen between October and January, according to police, and local Mounties will be out in force in the coming weeks to remind walkers and drivers to stay alert and to ticket them if that helps driver the point home.
“We are out there doing education, but at the same time, education only goes so far,” Chief Supt. Deanne Burleigh told the NOW.
Burleigh was at SFU Tuesday, when Burnaby RCMP launched the month-long safety initiative, handing out reflectors and chatting with passersby.
“The most striking observation was the number of pedestrians who were crossing in marked crosswalks, stepping into the crosswalk without looking up, earbuds in both ears, looking at their cellphones, sending messages, typing while they’re crossing the crosswalk. They have to look up,” she said. “They have to make eye contact. They’re going to get hit.”
To pick up a free reflector and chat with a local Mountie, drop by the following locations: Kingsway and Edmonds Street on Oct. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; McKay Avenue and Kingsborough Street in Metrotown on Oct. 28 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.; and in the 4000 of Hastings Street near the Hastings-Brentwood Community Police Office on Nov. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Pedestrian safety tips
- Wear bright, reflective clothing especially at night.
- Use crosswalks preferably in well-lit areas.
- Make eye contact with drivers and ensure they have seen you and have stopped before stepping out into the crosswalk.
- Don’t be distracted by your phone or wear earbuds when walking. Ensure you’re aware of your surroundings and prepared to react should you need to.
- If it’s raining, ensure you can still be seen if you are using an umbrella. Consider taking the umbrella down as you approach crosswalks to ensure drivers can see you.
Driver safety tips
- Slow down and always follow posted speed limits.
- Slow down well in advance of crosswalks to ensure that no pedestrians are about to walk out.
- Keep your eyes on the road, never drive distracted.
- Look for pedestrians and then look again.
