Eyes up, be seen and never step off a curb unless traffic has stopped. This is the advice that Burnaby RCMP is asking pedestrians to follow as police launch Pedestrian Safety Month in the City.
With shorter and darker days, most crashes involving pedestrians occur between October and January. Over the next few weeks, police will be out in the community, speaking with pedestrians and providing advice on being safe when walking in the City.
Police are aware that the need for education does not end with pedestrians. Drivers are also being asked to please keep their eyes up, on the road and to look twice for pedestrians, particularly in bad weather.
Later this morning, Burnaby RCMP members will be at Simon Fraser University to launch Pedestrian Safety Month, with further events planned around the City in the coming weeks. A full list of these events where members of the public can stop by, chat with our police officers and pick up some reflectors are outlined below.
October 15, 2019
SFU Bus Loop
12pm – 1pm
October 24, 2019
Kingsway & Edmonds
1130am – 1230pm
October 28, 2019
McKay and Kingsborough (near Metrotown)
1:30pm – 2:30pm
November 5, 2019
4000-block of Hastings (near the Hastings-Brentwood Community Police Office)
1130am – 1230pm
Police are asking that pedestrians and drivers please follow our advice below.
Pedestrian safety tips:
Wear bright, reflective clothing especially at night.
Use crosswalks preferably in well lit areas.
Make eye contact with drivers and ensure they have seen you and have stopped before stepping out into the crosswalk.
Don’t be distracted by your phone or wear earbuds when walking. Ensure you’re aware of your surroundings and prepared to react should you need to.
If it’s raining, ensure you can still be seen if you are using an umbrella. Consider taking the umbrella down as you approach crosswalks to ensure drivers can see you.
Driver advice:
Slow down and always follow posted speed limits.
Slow down well in advance of crosswalks to ensure that no pedestrians are about to walk out.
Keep your eyes on the road, never drive distracted.
Look for pedestrians and then look again.