{"id":17240,"date":"2019-10-18T12:33:33","date_gmt":"2019-10-18T16:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insurance-canada.ca\/?p=62002"},"modified":"2019-10-18T12:33:33","modified_gmt":"2019-10-18T16:33:33","slug":"icbc-urges-caution-as-pedestrian-injuries-increase","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.lifeinsurance-orleans.ca\/index.php\/2019\/10\/18\/icbc-urges-caution-as-pedestrian-injuries-increase\/","title":{"rendered":"ICBC urges caution as pedestrian injuries increase"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Vancouver, BC (Oct. 17, 2018) \u2013 Almost double the number of pedestrians are injured in crashes from October to January as the weather changes and daylight hours decrease.*<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

That\u2019s why ICBC is launching a pedestrian safety campaign with police and TransLink to urge pedestrians and drivers to stay safe as crashes with pedestrians spike at this time of year.<\/p>\n

The safety of pedestrians is a serious concern in B.C. \u2013 they\u2019re the most vulnerable road users and face risk of serious injury when a crash occurs. Drivers should take extra time to look for pedestrians before turning, especially near transit stops; avoid distractions and be ready to yield.<\/p>\n

Pedestrians can help stay safe by making eye contact, watching for drivers turning left or right at intersections, and using designated crosswalks.<\/p>\n

ICBC, TransLink and community policing volunteers will be handing out reflectors and safety tips in high pedestrian traffic areas across the province to help pedestrians stay visible.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s campaign reminds drivers: You see pedestrians when you really look for them.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the time of year when police see an increasing number of crashes involving pedestrians,\u201d said Chief Constable Neil Dubord<\/strong>, Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee. \u201cWe all have a part to play to make our streets safer. Drivers should know that distracted driving and failing to stop for people walking at intersections are some of the top factors in crashes with pedestrians. Pedestrians also need to be careful and aware. We encourage them to take out their headphones and take a break from the phone when crossing the road. Reflective gear, particularly on anything moving such as arms and legs, helps pedestrians be far more visible to drivers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone needs to be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially at this time of year when daylight hours are decreasing and weather conditions are changing,\u201d said Derek Stewart<\/strong>, TransLink Director of Safety and Emergency Management. \u201cPedestrians should never assume that they can be seen, even when using a crosswalk. Step out onto the street only when there\u2019s certainty that it\u2019s safe to do so. It\u2019s vital that we all work together to avoid accidents or injuries involving pedestrians.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEven when drivers proceed with caution, it\u2019s hard to see pedestrians at this time of year when visibility is poor,\u201d said Lindsay Matthews<\/strong>, ICBC\u2019s Vice-President of Public Affairs and Driver Licensing. \u201cCrashes with pedestrians are highest between 3pm and 6pm every day, when most of us are commuting home from school and work. Please focus on the road and leave your phone alone. It\u2019s time we all do our part to create a safer driving culture in B.C.\u201d<\/p>\n

ICBC has tips for pedestrians and drivers<\/a> to learn more about staying safe this winter.<\/p>\n

Regional statistics<\/strong>\u2020<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n