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The Road Less Traveled
By Nina Moroso
Senior Communications Specialist
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
In a time of high gas prices and
encouragement from doctors and even our own
government to live a healthier lifestyle, walking is
a popular form of exercise and transportation.
Pedestrians remain our most
vulnerable road users. In a pedestrian/vehicle
encounter, the pedestrian will come out on the
losing end every time. That’s why drivers must
always do what they can to avoid hitting people on
foot. However, pedestrians have a duty to be as safe
as possible as well.
In 2005, in B.C., there were about
2,200 pedestrian-related crashes and 60 pedestrian
fatalities. Of these, about half occurred at
intersections and one quarter took place at
crossings with signals. That leaves a significant
number of pedestrian incidents occurring elsewhere.
Much of Vancouver Island B.C. is
made up of rural communities and country roads.
There are not always crosswalks or traffic signals,
let alone sidewalks or streetlights. Often rural
roads mean drivers travelling at high rates of
speed. These conditions can make it especially
challenging for pedestrians, even more so during the
darker, wetter months of winter.
Of course, pedestrian safety issues
in Victoria, where there are plenty of tourists and
local foot traffic, will differ from the concerns of
pedestrians in smaller, more rural areas. In
Victoria, as in most urban areas, roadways have been
engineered factoring pedestrians into the mix and in
some cases even giving prime consideration to
them. In smaller communities, crosswalks, lighting
and intersections may not be as common.
Some basic pedestrian rules should be
followed in any community such as always walk facing
traffic. This will facilitate eye contact when
possible but at the very least will give you advance
warning of when and how a vehicle is approaching.
Also, walk on the road’s shoulder, as
far off the road as is safe to do so. Even a couple
of inches can mean the difference between being
clipped by the passenger door mirror or not.
Wear bright and reflective coloured
clothing…even during daylight hours. Rain, snow or
fog can seriously hamper a driver’s vision. Making
every effort to be seen despite weather or time of
day can be a life saver.
Children in particular should abide
by these rules since they are smaller and tougher to
see. With fast-moving vehicles and BC’s twisty,
hilly roads, there may only be a split second for a
driver to notice youngsters on the roadside.
Knowing how to properly use traffic
safety devices like lighted crosswalks is essential,
but so is understanding what to do when crosswalks
or proper sidewalks are not available. We can enjoy
walking and take advantage of the health benefits
that come with being a pedestrian. We just need to
be armed with our Road Sense and a comfy pair of
shoes.
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Courtesy ICBC. All rights reserved. |
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