While car accidents resulting in pedestrian deaths are on the rise in Vancouver, here on the Sunshine Coast there doesn't seem to be much cause for concern.
"I can only remember one motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian in the last two years here," said Cpl. Steve Chubey with the Sunshine Coast RCMP.
Drive Smart BC recently reported that the number of pedestrians killed in car accidents in Vancouver so far this year has exceeded numbers for all of 2010. They say the number one reason for a pedestrian to be hit by a motor vehicle is either the pedestrian or the motorist are not paying attention.
Drive Smart BC encourages pedestrians to use crosswalks and make eye contact with motorists before crossing roadways. They also caution pedestrians not to walk and text or tune out to traffic by listening to music.
"Right or wrong, the pedestrian is always the loser in a collision with a motor vehicle," they note.
The old "be safe, be seen" motto is also important to remember. Drive Smart BC encourages pedestrians to wear reflectors, cautioning that light coloured clothing is not enough to ensure a vehicle will see you in time to stop at night.
