As the days get shorter Edmonton’s pedestrian collision rates get higher. This fall, the city of Edmonton reminds motorists and pedestrians to watch out for each other on the road.
“Motorists and pedestrians share responsibility for preventing injuries and fatalities from collisions,” said Senior Research Coordinator Laura Thue from the office of traffic safety. “We urge Edmontonians to be aware of what is happening on the streets around them at all times and especially during this high-risk time of year.”
Recent office of traffic safety (OTS) studies show that one third of traffic collisions involving a pedestrian occur between the months of September and November.
Since 2009, there have been 1,563 pedestrian collisions on Edmonton roads. In 2013 alone, collisions resulted in 317 pedestrian injuries or fatalities. Seniors are a particularly vulnerable group and are more likely to be seriously injured or killed if struck.
Keeping everyone safe means more than just having pedestrians cross at intersections or crosswalks.
“Having the right-of-way in a marked crosswalk does not mean it is safe to proceed,” said Thue. “In 2013, close to two-thirds of pedestrian collisions occurred in an intersection or crosswalk where the pedestrian had the right-of-way.”
The office of traffic safety has some tips on staying safe during this fall:
Pedestrians
- Cross with care. Make eye contact with drivers and wait until traffic has stopped before you cross.
- Pay attention. Avoid distractions such as texting.
- Get noticed. Wear bright clothes and reflective gear, especially in low light or poor weather.
- Be predictable. Use crosswalks and intersections. Never jaywalk.
- Heads up at intersections. Don’t start to cross on the flashing hand or countdown signal. Finish crossing quickly if you’ve already started.
Motorists
- Be alert for pedestrians at all times, especially at intersections and crosswalks, and even more so in low light or poor weather.
- Pay attention. Avoid distractions such as texting.
- See and be seen. Make eye contact with pedestrians.
- Watch for vehicles slowing down around you. They may be yielding to a pedestrian.
- Heads up at intersections. Follow traffic lights, not the flashing hand or countdown signal. Pedestrian signals aren’t always timed to traffic lights.
