Oceanside RCMP have released a warning on how to be ‘safe and seen’.
Cpl. Jesse Foreman said the leaves are falling, darkness is setting in and clocks are about to fall back.
“It is vitally important to ensure that when we are biking or walking, we do everything we can to increase our safety,” he said in a release. “As the weather changes and the daylight decreases, pedestrians become more vulnerable.”
According to ICBC statistics; nearly half (45 per cent) of all crashes with pedestrians happen between October and January. Even when drivers proceed with caution, it’s hard to see pedestrians when visibility is poor.
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ICBC and the RCMP have the following tips for pedestrians:
- 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
- Don’t jaywalk - always use crosswalks and follow the pedestrian signs and traffic signals
- Make eye contact with drivers, as it’s hard to see pedestrians when visibility is poor in fall and winter. Never assume that a driver has seen you
- 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.
— NEWS Staff, submitted