With the changing weather and reduced number of daylight hours the concern for pedestrian safety increases. During the month of November, Saferoads, an initiative of the Alberta Office of Traffic Safety will be extra vigilant that users of the roadways conduct themselves in such a manner to support the safety of pedestrians. The following are some recommended safety tips:
For drivers:
• When approaching an intersection or crosswalk be alert for pedestrians.
• Watch for vehicles stopped or slowing in the lane next to yours. They may be yielding to a pedestrian.
• Stay alert and slow down on residential streets and through school and playground zones.
• Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk carries a fine of $575 plus 4 demerit points.
For pedestrians:
• POINT, PAUSE, and PROCEED. Be alert at intersections and always look out for danger when crossing the street.
• Always use crosswalks and pedestrian-activated signals when they are available and cross only at intersections if they are not.
• Never jaywalk. Drivers are not anticipating pedestrians crossing in the middle of the street so they may not have enough time to avoid hitting you.
• Make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street.
• Be seen! Wear bright coloured or reflective clothing especially when walking in low light or poor weather conditions.
• Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk off the road, facing traffic, staying as far away from the vehicles as possible.
• If you are impaired, seek assistance and alternative transportation. Alcohol is often a factor in serious pedestrian collisions. On average over one-third of pedestrians in fatal crashes and 15 per cent in injury crashes had consumed alcohol prior to the collision.
• Pay attention! Remove headphones; put away cell phones or other electronic devices when crossing the street.
• Abide by traffic signs and signals. They are in place to protect your safety.
Both drivers and pedestrians are responsible for safety. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, but pedestrians also have the responsibility to cross safely. From 2005 to 2009, on average each year in Alberta, more than 40 pedestrians were killed and over 1250 were injured.
Additional information on the Saferoads - Traffic Safety in Alberta website at: http://www.saferoads.com/drivers/tips_pedsafety.html.
