Monthly Road Report: Focus on pedestrian safety and enhanced enforcement actions

Richmond

2024-11-19 11:52 PST

October saw a focus on pedestrian safety, with 801 traffic tickets issued and enhanced enforcement in high-risk areas to protect all road users.

Richmond RCMP’s Road Safety Unit (RSU) remains committed to enhancing road safety through targeted enforcement, education, and community engagement. October’s report highlights a strong focus on pedestrian safety, as well as enforcement actions addressing high-risk driving behaviours.

October traffic enforcement summary:

In October, RSU and frontline officers issued a total of 801 traffic tickets, targeting a range of violations. Key statistics from October’s enforcement activities include:

• Driver Licence Infractions: 127
• Impaired Drug/Alcohol infractions: 26
• Distracted driving: 60
• Speeding: 163
• Vehicle-related infractions: 207

Pedestrian safety initiative:

October marked an increased focus on pedestrian safety, as data from ICBC shows that nearly half of all crashes involving pedestrians occur between October and January. Contributing factors to these incidents often include driver distraction, failure to yield, and adverse weather conditions. Officers and volunteers collaborated throughout the month to spread awareness about pedestrian safety, urging drivers to slow down, especially in high-traffic areas, and to always yield to pedestrians.

Enforcement highlights:

HOV enforcement:

• October 18: RSU officers conducted an HOV enforcement operation on Grant McConachie Way, northbound toward the Arthur Laing Bridge. During the two-hour operation, 26 violation tickets were issued, with a total of 34 charges, emphasizing the importance of adherence to HOV lane requirements.

Excessive speeding:

• October 20: RSU officers stopped a vehicle travelling at 143 km/h in a 90 km/h zone on Hwy 91. The driver received a ticket for excessive speed, and the vehicle was impounded for a minimum of seven days.
  
• October 11: A BMW M5 was confirmed to be travelling at 159 km/h on Westminster Hwy, cutting off a semi-truck. The driver was ticket with the following charges and the vehicle was impounded for a minimum of 7 days: excessive speed when speed limit exceeded by 60+ km: $483 fine, and driving without due care: $368 fine (6 licence demerit points).
  

Community engagement: Donating blood to save lives

On October 25, RSU’s Cst. Vander Helm and Cpl. Somerville attended the Blood Donor Clinic to give back to the community by donating blood. This donation marked Cst. Vander Helm’s 14th and Cpl. Somerville’s 144th donation, with plans to continue this lifesaving tradition every eight weeks.

A word from sergeant Eric Baskette, RSU:

Our focus on pedestrian safety this month is a continued commitment to protecting our most vulnerable road users. With the rainy season upon us, we urge drivers to exercise extra caution, adjusting their speed for conditions, and always yield to pedestrians.

Engage with us:

Richmond RCMP encourages all residents and drivers to stay informed through our monthly road reports and to participate actively in road safety initiatives. For ongoing updates and safety tips, follow us on social media, visit our website, and download the City of Richmond’s Community Safety App.

Released by:

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: richmond.rcmp.ca

Follow Us: