By Pete McIntyre-KISS FM Vernon

Pedestrian-vehicle fatalities rising

Nov 7, 2016 | 2:43 PM

VERNON — With the time change making it darker earlier, officials are urging  pedestrians and motorists to take greater care to avoid accidents.
 
The BC Coroner’s Service says 10 pedestrians died in road accidents in October, more than twice the average number. 

For the year to date, 47 pedestrians have died.
 
Coroners statistics show the deaths occur more frequently in the fall and winter months.
 
The most recent statistics show that the five townships with the highest number of these deaths are all in the Lower Mainland. Vancouver has the highest number (about 16% of the total), followed by Surrey (13%), 
Abbotsford (6%), Richmond (5%) and Burnaby (4%).
 
“Each of these deaths is a tragedy for family, friends and loved ones left behind,” says chief coroner Lisa Lapointe. “Our investigations show clearly that both motorists and pedestrians have a responsibility to avoid these incidents. Pedestrians need to be aware that even in cases where they are legally in the right, they are invariably going to be the ones seriously injured or killed in a collision with a motor vehicle.”
 
Drivers need to watch particularly carefully for pedestrians when turning left or right at intersections  as these are one of the most common places where incidents occur.
 
Pedestrians need to ensure drivers can see them, particularly when it is dark or visibility is poor because of weather conditions such as heavy rain. They should wear bright or light coloured clothing, or don reflective materials and/or carry a light at those times.