Alberta RCMP remind road users of traffic safety

October is Pedestrian Safety Month and Alberta RCMP reminds road users that traffic safety is a shared responsibility.

Drivers and pedestrians both have a part to play to keep everyone safe on the roads, including knowing and following all traffic rules, signs and signals.

Constable Mike Hibbs of Alberta RCMP Traffic Services says the change in season brings the need for extra caution.

“Shorter daylight hours, that’s a big thing, especially when it comes to early school and early evening when people are getting out of school and work.”

In 2016, there were a total of 14 fatal collisions involving pedestrians, of those, almost half involved a pedestrian unsafely using a crossing and 8 were intoxicated.

Below are some safety tips to help everyone share the road:

Pedestrians:

• Make sure to be visible to drivers at all times. Wear lightly coloured or reflective clothing at night and brightly coloured clothing during the day.
• Make eye contact with drivers in stopped and approaching vehicles to ensure they see you before you cross in front of them.
• Phones are a part of everyday life but they distract your attention and eyes from the environment around you. Put your phone away when walking or crossing.
• Don’t wear headphones. Your ears can tell you a lot about what is happening around you.
• Know and follow all traffic rules, signs and signals. Being aware of the rules that vehicles must follow allows you to anticipate what drivers will do.
• Never assume that a driver will give you the right of way.
• Use crosswalks when crossing the street.
• Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If a sidewalk is not available, walk on the far side of the road facing traffic. This will help increase your visibility to drivers.
• Avoid walking along highways or other roadways where pedestrians are prohibited.
• Alcohol and drugs impair your decision-making skills, physical reflexes and reduces your ability to respond quickly in traffic situations.

Drivers

• Look out for pedestrians at all times.
• In Alberta, the fine for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk is $776 and four demerit points. The fine is the same for passing a vehicle at a crosswalk.
• Follow posted speed limits at all times, especially in areas of heavy pedestrian traffic. This is especially important in areas with low speed limits, such as school zones and neighborhood streets.
• Be mindful of pedestrians when pulling in and out of driveways – especially if you are backing up.
• Always yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
• When approaching a crosswalk, reduce your speed and be prepared to stop.
• Alcohol and drugs impair your reaction time, reflexes, decision-making skills and overall cognitive functions. Getting behind the wheel while impaired puts everyone in danger.