ICBC is launching a new education campaign across the province to help keep pedestrians safe this fall and winter when crashes involving pedestrians increase significantly in B.C.
On average, 76 per cent more pedestrians are injured in crashes from November to January every year when conditions are dark and weather is poor compared to June to August in B.C.
ICBC is partnering with TransLink, Transit Police and BC Transit with new advertising featured on sky trains in the Lower Mainland and in buses across B.C. to reach pedestrians on transit.
ICBC and community policing volunteers throughout B.C. will also be handing out pedestrian safety reflectors and tips at events throughout the province to help educate pedestrians about the importance of being visible to drivers in dark, fall conditions.
In a new ICBC survey, 76 per cent of drivers and 83 per cent of pedestrians stated they’re concerned about hitting a pedestrian or being hit by a driver in an intersection. Yet, on average, 75 per cent of crashes with pedestrians still occur at intersections in B.C.
“The impending switch from Daylight Savings Time, shorter days and more severe weather all increase the need for drivers to concentrate on the road and watch for pedestrians and cyclists,” said Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “Keep in mind that distraction is the second leading cause of traffic fatalities and a top contributing factor in vehicle-pedestrian collisions. It is more important than ever to pay attention to the road and to others on the road.”
