What pedestrians and drivers can do to make our roadways safer with the return of shorter, rainy days

Richmond

2021-10-23 09:19 PDT

 Richmond RCMP want to remind pedestrians and drivers about being vigilant as shorter, rainy days return.

In 2020, Richmond RCMP investigated a total of 38 collisions involving pedestrians. 24 of those occurred during the winter months.

With darker conditions and poor visibility, we see more collisions involving pedestrians, says Corporal Adriana O’Malley, The effect of these collisions can be huge on all those involved. It’s so important we as the police, as well as the public, do everything possible to prevent someone from being injured or killed.

In 2020, Richmond RCMP investigated 3 pedestrian fatalities. To date in 2021, Richmond RCMP have investigated 28 collisions involving pedestrians and no fatalities.

In addition to conducting targeted enforcement at high trafficked pedestrian corridors from mid-October to mid-November, Richmond RCMP want to remind pedestrians and drivers of ways they can help prevent these collisions from occurring.

Ways pedestrians can help prevent being involved in a collision include:

• Make eye contact with drivers, as it’s hard to see pedestrians when visibility is poor in fall and winter. Never assume a driver has seen you.
• Be careful at intersections. Watch for drivers turning left or right through the crosswalk. Drivers may be focused on oncoming traffic and not see you.
• Always cross at designated crosswalks and follow pedestrian signs and traffic signals.
• Remove your headphones and take a break from your phone while crossing the road.
• Be as reflective as possible to make it easier for drivers to see you in wet weather, at dusk and at night.

Ways drivers can help to try and avoid collisions include:Focus on the road. Always leave your phone alone while driving. #LeaveYourPhoneAlone

• Be ready to yield to pedestrians, especially when turning at intersections and near transit stops.
• If a vehicle is stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding for a pedestrian.
• Expect the unexpected, even mid-block, as pedestrians may not be using a crosswalk.

It is incumbent on both drivers and pedestrians to take steps to help make our roadways safer. By working together, we can help create a safer driving culture in BC.

Released by

Cpl. Adriana O'Malley

Email: richmond_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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