With dozens of walkers dying in vehicle-pedestrian collisions on Alberta roads and streets every year, the province has launched a new awareness campaign aimed at making things safer.
The “When eyes lock, it's safer to walk” safety campaign is being spearheaded by Alberta Transportation in conjunction with RCMP and other stakeholders throughout the month of November.
With the fall days becoming shorter in the run-up to winter, the potential for vehicle-pedestrian collisions becomes great, principally because walkers are harder to see in the dark, say officials.
On average each year, more than 40 pedestrians were killed and 1,160 more injured in Alberta between 2009 and 2013. And the early evening hours were the most common times for those fatal and injury collisions.
As with impaired driving deaths and injuries, teens and young adults are the population most likely to be involved in vehicle-pedestrian collisions.
Although there is no arguing that motorists have a constant responsibility to ensure that every time they are behind the wheel they are watching out for other vehicles and pedestrians, walkers also have to take some responsibility in making sure they are not themselves creating hazards on the roads and streets.
“It is everybody's responsibility to make sure intersections are safe for both pedestrians and motorists,” said Minister of Transportation Wayne Drysdale. “Motorists need to be extra cautious when approaching crosswalks and intersections and pedestrians have to obey the rules of the road by using designated crosswalks and being aware of their surroundings.”
Surprisingly one of the biggest causes of vehicle-pedestrian mishaps, year in and year out, is alcohol consumption by pedestrians.
According to the latest statistics, more than 40 per cent of pedestrians involved in fatal crashes and 11 per cent of those injured had consumed alcohol prior to the collision.
While the dangers and risks of impaired driving are well known, the risk of impaired pedestrians is perhaps less well known. As such, this new safety campaign's focus on sober walking is right on the mark.
RCMP superintendent Howard Eaton points out that pedestrians can do their part in avoiding collisions by dressing for the occasion.
“Pedestrians can reduce their risk by wearing light-coloured clothing and establishing eye contact with drivers when crossing at crosswalks or intersections. Drivers need to avoid distractions and be alert for pedestrians at all times, especially in low light conditions,” said Eaton, the officer in charge of traffic safety in Alberta.
With the days getting shorter, pedestrians and motorists across the region are encouraged to watch out for risks and dangers – because it's true, “When eyes lock, it's safer to walk.”
