Image Credit: CFJC Today

By James Peters

Pedestrian Safety

ICBC warns drivers, pedestrians that pedestrian collisions increase in the fall

Oct 17, 2019 | 3:53 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Insurance Corporation of B.C. is reminding drivers to be aware of pedestrians as the days get shorter.

ICBC says on average, the Southern Interior sees 280 collisions between vehicles and pedestrians per year. The insurer says the rate typically increases in October and November.

Spokesperson Ingrid Brakop says both drivers and pedestrians can play a role in bringing that total down.

“For drivers, pay more attention to what’s happening around you, specifically at intersections,” said Brakop. “If you’re turning right into an intersection, or even if you’re turning left, there may be a pedestrian that crossing — even at an unlit crosswalk — that you may not see. If you’ve ever had that experience, it is a heart-stopper.”

“If you’re a pedestrian, make sure that if you’re out and about, especially in the evening when it’s dark or when it’s nearing dusk, that you wear reflective clothing, wear a reflector, make sure that you make eye contact with that vehicle,” Brakop continued. “Don’t assume that that vehicle can see you. Even if you’re at an intersection, if you’re crossing a crosswalk, make that you look around you and make eye contact with that driver.”

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Increasing hours of darkness is a major factor in the increase in pedestrian collisions during the fall, and Brakop says pedestrian style choices don’t help matters.

“Between October and November, pedestrian collisions do increase just because there is less visibility, it’s raining, it’s snowing, it’s darker. We love our black jackets. Pedestrians often don’t wear reflective clothing; they just wear their black jackets. So it makes sense that, in the darker times of year, there are more collisions between pedestrians and vehicles.”

Even before the sun sets, Brakop notes its low angle during morning and afternoon commutes can result in drivers struggling to see clearly.

“It happens to everybody,” said Brakop. “The thought there is, if you can’t see properly, just slow your speeds down and pay extra attention so that you can get home safely and allow everybody else to have a chance to get home safely as well.”