CAMPAIGN - Pedestrian Safety 2023

ICBC's annual pedestrian safety campaign started yesterday. The campaign is partnered with BC police who are conducting their own drive relative to conditions initiative that will be focused on speed and pedestrians. (BCACP has not published any details on this.)

The following statistics furnished by ICBC are based on five-year average from 2018 to 2022:

• In B.C., on average, 53 pedestrians are killed and more than 2,300 injured in crashes each year.
• In the Lower Mainland, on average, 1,434 pedestrians are injured in 2,029 crashes every year.
• On Vancouver Island, on average, 239 pedestrians are injured in 335 crashes every year.
• In the Southern Interior, on average, 158 pedestrians are injured in 216 crashes every year.
• In the North Central region, on average, 61 pedestrians are injured in 74 crashes every year.​

Tips for Drivers:

• Focus on the road. Always leave your phone alone while driving.
• Look for pedestrians, especially when turning at intersections, crosswalks and near transit stops.
• Reduce your speed in areas with pedestrians. The simple act can help lower the chance of pedestrian injuries or even fatalities.
• Be realistic about your travel time. Leave earlier to accommodate traffic and other unexpected hold ups so you can take your time looking for pedestrians.
• Prepare your vehicle for bad weather: make sure your headlights are working, tires are properly inflated, wiper blades are functioning properly, and your wiper fluid is topped up.

Tips for Pedestrians:

• Be careful at intersections. Watch for drivers turning left or right through the crosswalk. Drivers may be focused on oncoming traffic and not see you.
• Always use crosswalks and follow the pedestrian signs and traffic signals.
• Always cross at designated crosswalks and follow pedestrian signs and traffic signals. Scan your surroundings before crossing to ensure it’s safe and that traffic has come to a complete stop.​
• Make eye contact with drivers, as it's hard to see pedestrians when visibility is poor in fall and winter. Never assume that a driver has seen you.
• Remove your headphones and take a break from your phone while crossing the road.
• Wear reflectors to make it easier for drivers to see you in rain, snow, at dusk and at night.