ICBC is urging drivers and pedestrians to take extra care on the roads during fall and winter months, after statistics revealed pedestrian fatalities increase by an average of 54% over the next four months.
On average, 2,000 pedestrians are injured in crashes around the province between October and January every year as the weather changes and daylight hours decrease—more than half of fatalities also occur during this time.
To put that in perspective, based on a five year average, 501 pedestrians are injured between May and August.
On Vancouver Island specifically, on average 260, pedestrians are injured in 300 crashes every year.
ICBC say distracted driving and failing to yield the right-of-way are the top contributing factors for drivers in crashes with pedestrians.
About 80% of pedestrian crashes happen at intersections.
Majority of crashes involving pedestrians are highest between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. every day when many of us are commuting home with Thursday and Friday being the worst days.
“As weather conditions begin to shift and daylight hours decrease, drivers and pedestrians should use extra caution on the road,” said Lindsay Matthews, ICBC’s Vice-President Customer Experience & Public Affairs.
“Whether you’re a pedestrian or a driver, always remember to scan your surroundings and avoid distractions. It’s important we all do our part to keep our roads safe.”
ICBC also says pedestrians should make eye contact with drivers before crossing, watch for drivers turning left or right at intersections, and use designated crosswalks.
ICBC offered the following tips for both drivers and pedestrians:
Tips for drivers
- Focus on the road. Always leave your phone alone while driving
- Be ready to yield to pedestrians, especially when turning at intersections and near transit stops
- If a vehicle is stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding for a pedestrian
- Expect the unexpected, even mid-block, as pedestrians may not be crossing within a crosswalk
Tips for safe walking
- Be careful at intersections. Watch for drivers turning left or right through the crosswalk. Drivers may be focused on oncoming traffic and not see you
- Always use crosswalks and follow the pedestrian signs and traffic signals
- Make eye contact with drivers, as it’s hard to see pedestrians when visibility is poor in fall and winter. Never assume that a driver has seen you
- Remove your headphones and take a break from your phone while crossing the road
- Be as reflective as possible to make it easier for drivers to see you in wet weather, at dusk and at night
