Police encouraging caution pedestrian safety, driver awareness

Kamloops City

2022-10-24 15:42 PDT

Armed with reflectors and information, the Kamloops RCMP partnered up with ICBC to talk with drivers and pedestrians about road safety last week.

View larger image: From left, Cpl. Dana Napier and ICBC Road Safety Coordinator, Ingrid Brakop

On Oct. 19, 2022, Corporal Dana Napier of the Kamloops RCMP Community Policing Unit and ICBC Road Safety Coordinator, Ingrid Brakop, hit the downtown core to remind road users about the increased risk to pedestrians that comes with fall’s decreased daylight hours.

This is the time of the year when our light starts to change and it’s harder for people to see and recognize figures in the dark, said Cpl. Napier. It’s also the time of year when more people are walking to school, to work, and around the community, especially considering how nice the weather has been this year – that’s definitely contributed to more people out walking.

Wednesday marked the third time this month they hit the sidewalks to educate drivers and pedestrians, as part of the annual safety campaign. To help improve visibility, they handed out zipper-pull reflectors for coats and backpacks, and discussed other ways people can better ensure they’re seen, including by adding reflective elements to their clothing and pets, and making eye contact with drivers.

Along with educating pedestrians, we’re also talking to drivers and reminding them to take a moment to look around and slow down so they can really see the people moving around crosswalks, roadways, and intersections, added Cpl. Napier. Regardless of who is responsible, a collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle is a tragic event for all those involved, including any witnesses and family members, which is why it’s so important for everyone to do their part in keeping the roadways safe.

More pedestrian events are also planned for the future.

Fast facts from ICBC:

• Between October and January, pedestrian fatalities increase by an average of 54% in B.C.
• In the Southern Interior, on average, 150 pedestrians are injured in 230 crashes every year.
• In the Lower Mainland, on average, 1,500 pedestrians are injured in 2,000 crashes every year.
• On Vancouver Island, on average, 250 pedestrians are injured in 350 crashes every year.
• In the North Central region, on average, 53 pedestrians are injured in 79 crashes every year.

For more information on pedestrian safety, visit https://www.kamloops.ca/city-services/transportation-roads/pedestrian-safety-tips.

Released by

Cpl. Crystal Evelyn

Email: crystal.evelyn@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: kamloops.rcmp.ca

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