Campaign urges drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to keep their heads up

Nov 6, 2019 | 3:12 PM

This is one of the most dangerous times of the year to be a pedestrian.

ICBC says 43 per cent of crashes where a pedestrian gets injured happen between October to January, as visibility and conditions get worse.

“When driving, we need to take a break from our phones, be extra alert at intersections and be ready to yield the right-of-way. When walking, we need to help drivers see us by staying focused on the road and making eye contact with drivers,” Christine Kirby, local ICBC road safety and community coordinator, said.

As part of the annual Heads-Up campaign, walkers and cyclists are advised to wear bright reflective clothing, and to make sure drivers can see them.

“Make eye contact with drivers and wait until traffic has stopped before crossing the street,” Angela Broadbent, active transportation coordinator with the City of Vernon, said.

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“Drivers should keep their heads up for pedestrians and cyclists at all times,” Broadbent said “Especially at intersections, crosswalks, downtown and even more so in low light. Watch for symbols called ‘sharrows’ that indicate you are on a popular bike route and need to share the road with cyclists.”

The campaign was launched a day after a teenager was hit by a vehicle while using a crosswalk on Allenby Way in Vernon and suffered minor injuries. According to police, the driver simply didn’t see the boy.