Police launch pedestrian safety campaign as days get shorter

Police, ICBC and the BC Coroners Service launched a pedestrian safety campaign on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015. (CTV)

As winter approaches, police are urging pedestrians to stay visible and be mindful of their surroundings to avoid being hit by cars.

Every year from November to January, as days get shorter and weather gets wetter, B.C. sees a spike in pedestrian-involved crashes.

Mounties said the key to cutting down on accidents is more awareness on the parts of both drivers and pedestrians.

“No one can do more to reduce your risk of being hurt than you can,” Supt. Derek Cooke said. “Never assume that a driver can see you, and never assume that a driver can stop in time.”

According to the BC Coroners Service, 50 to 60 pedestrians are killed every year in the province.

Dr. Kelly Barnard said while motor vehicle fatalities have declined over the past decade, fatalities involving pedestrians have remained fairly constant.

Pedestrian visibility appears to be one of the biggest contributing factors, she added.

“One of the most common comments we hear from drivers involved in these events is that they just didn’t see the pedestrian until it was too late,” Barnard said. “This is a tragedy.”

Police, ICBC and other government partners launched an awareness campaign Wednesday in the hopes of curbing these preventable deaths, with officers handing out safety reflectors on Cambie Street in Vancouver.

They said pedestrians can keep themselves safe by making eye contact with approaching drivers before crossing the road, wearing bright, reflective clothing at night or during poor visibility, and resisting the urge to J-walk.

Pedestrians are also urged not text while walking.

Police said drivers can avoid life-changing pedestrian accidents by yielding to people on foot, watching for pedestrians at intersections – especially while turning left or right – and by expecting the unexpected.

Cyclists play a part, too – authorities urge people on bikes to stay off the sidewalk and on the right-hand side of roadways, use a bell to warn approaching pedestrians, and follow the general rules of the road.