Did you know that nearly one in five people killed in car crashes are pedestrians?

A saddening statistic to be sure and as the days get shorter and winter weather settles in, crashes involving pedestrians tend to increase with the seasonal change.

Spurred by this spike in crashes, ICBC is promoting a pedestrian safety campaign to remind drivers and pedestrians that we all share the responsibility for being safe on the roads.

Nobody wins when it comes to crashes involving pedestrians and ICBC has a few tips on how pedestrians and drivers can work together to make our roads safer.

• When you’re walking, do your part to be seen by drivers — make eye contact, wear bright and reflective clothing, and stay focused on the road.
• When you’re driving, take extra time to look for pedestrians before turning, avoid distractions and be ready to yield.
• When you’re using transit:
  • Make sure that you’re visible when you’re walking to and from your transit stop. Wear bright and reflective clothing or gear so drivers can see you in all weather conditions.
  • Be cautious at transit stops. Avoid running for the bus and taking shortcuts. Always cross at designated crosswalks, not mid-block.

When it comes to road safety, Strategic Planning and Policy Manager, Adrian Bell knows a thing or two about the subject. He’s been studying attitudes to road safety and had a bit to say about ICBC’s pedestrian safety campaign:

“Campaigns that deal with issues even-handedly and promote the positives of safe travel rather than the aftermath of crashes often work better according to Urban Systems. Changing attitudes to road safety requires education and mutual understanding and ICBC’s new pedestrian safety campaign is an example of this newer road safety education that encourages everyone to do their part.

This is a great start and under the BC Road Safety Strategy should be something we see more of over the next few years.”

You can find ICBC on Twitter and Facebook and join the conversation on pedestrian safety using the hashtags #sharetheroadBC and #walksafebc.

Author: Laura Tennant