Be a safe pedestrian

Each year, on average, 2,700 pedestrians are injured in car crashes.* We all need to do our part in reducing the number of crashes involving pedestrians since we share the roadways year-round.

Drive smart and walk smart to help keep yourself and everyone else safe.

Pedestrian tips

1. Always focus your full attention on what’s happening on the roadway so you can see, hear and respond safely when you’re crossing the street. Removing your headphones, and putting away your cellphone(or other gadgets) can make a difference.
2. Make eye contact with drivers, so you both see each other.
3. Always be cautious and pay attention to traffic.
4. Drivers may not always stop or obey traffic signals.
5. Use designated crossing points and follow pedestrian traffic signs and signals.
6. Before stepping off the curb, look left and right for oncoming vehicles. Then look left again for vehicles that may be turning onto the roadway from beside or behind you.
7. Wear bright or light-colored clothing. When the sun starts setting or in bad weather, wear reflective material on your clothes (sleeves, shoes, cap or jacket).
8. Where there are no sidewalks, always walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.

Driver tips

1. Always yield to pedestrians at intersections. You don’t want to break the law.
2. Be alert and scan left and right for pedestrians when you approach any intersection.
3. If a vehicle is stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, they may be yielding for a pedestrian, so be prepared to stop.
4. Be aware of pedestrians who seem unsure or who may not be paying attention. They might dart out or wander onto the roadway.
5. Always watch for pedestrians when you’re backing up.
6. Before you get into your vehicle, make it a habit to walk around it to ensure no small children are behind your vehicle.

Pedestrian crosswalks

Flashing pedestrian crosswalk lights are becoming more common across B.C. Here are some tips for drivers and pedestrians:

1. All pedestrian crosswalks operate the same whether or not they have flashing lights. Drivers are required to stop once someone has entered the crosswalk.
2. The flashing lights help alert drivers that pedestrians are crossing or want to cross the street.
3. The lights do not guarantee that vehicles will stop. It’s important that drivers and pedestrians make eye contact with each other.