Fall/Winter safety tips
Shorter days means there are more pedestrians and cyclists are out in the dark when it's harder for drivers to see them. Wet roads mean it takes longer for vehicles to stop. Which means, that as we shift into winter, all road users need to take extra care. Remember, road safety is everyone's responsibility.
Did you know?
- 43% of all crashes involving pedestrians occur between October and January.
- according to ICBC, distraction and failure to yield the right-of-way are the top contributing factors for drivers getting into a crash involving a pedestrian where there was an injury or death.
- in B.C. 69% of crashes involving pedestrians happen at intersections.
Source: ICBC
Road Safety
Drivers:
- Expect the unexpected. Watch for children walking on medians, roadways and curbs, and be cautious when approaching intersections. Until children are about eight years of age, it is difficult for them to assess whether a vehicle is moving or not.
- Stopped for a reason. Think twice before darting in front of a stopped car, they may be yielding for a pedestrian.
- Leave the phone alone. It is illegal for drivers to hold, operate, communicate or watch the screen of a hand-held electronic communication device, including sending or receiving text messages or electronic e-mail on any type.
- Double check. Look twice for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road, especially when the visibility is poor.
Pedestrians & Cyclists
- See & be seen: Wear light or bright colored clothing and wear reflective material to increase your visibility to drivers.
- Even if you have the right of way: Look both ways before you step off the curb.
- Follow the rules of the road: Use marked crosswalks and follow pedestrian traffic signs & signals.
- Be predictable: Don’t dash out to cross the road from between two parked cars.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Avoid pulling your hood down to cover your face, playing with your mobile device, listening to loud music and texting.
- Make eye contact with driver before crossing, even at marked intersections and crosswalks.
- Talk to the hand: Use hand signals when riding a bike and always wear a properly fitted CSA approved bike helmet when riding…it’s the law.
Tips for safe winter driving:
- Be Winter ready: Get your vehicle ready for winter; ensure you have winter tires in good condition, top-up window washer fluid, carry spare clothes, battery jumper cables and de-icing tools.
- Be prepared: Pack an emergency kit and travel with a fully charged cell phone for emergency situations.
- Practice: Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them.
- Plan: Check road and weather conditions and plan your trip.
- Remove: Brush off all snow and debris from your vehicle before each trip.
- Extra Time: Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather.
- Avoid: Don't use overdrive and cruise control on slippery roads.
- SLOW DOWN and WEAR your seatbelt.
Where can I find more information?
- BC RCMP Road Safety tips
- Visit BC's Winter Driving page
- For current road and weather conditions, visit www.drivebc.ca.
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