This October, the Alberta RCMP reminds all road users that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between motorists and pedestrians.
This Thanksgiving long weekend, police forces across Canada are gearing up for the annual #OperationImpact awareness campaign, organized by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP), to encourage safe driving behaviours. The campaign supports Canada's Road Safety Strategy 2025's goal to make Canada's roads the safest in the world.
Pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable road users in Alberta. In 2016, half of the drivers involved in pedestrian casualty collisions failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian (Alberta Transportation). In October 2017, there were 17 pedestrian collisions, including one fatality and 14 injuries, in Alberta RCMP jurisdiction.
The Alberta RCMP is sharing #TrafficSafety tips to help drivers and pedestrians share the road.
Pedestrians:
- Make eye contact with drivers. Ensure stopped and approaching vehicles see you before you cross in front of them. Never assume that a driver will give you the right of way.
- Make sure to be visible to drivers at all times. Wear a reflective arm band or clothing with reflective strips in the dim early morning hours or on dark evenings.
- Know and follow all traffic rules, signs and signals.
- Use crosswalks when crossing the street. Stay on sidewalks whenever possible.
- Don't be distracted. Listening to loud music or texting while walking is dangerous.
Drivers:
- Keep a careful eye out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians
- Follow the posted speed limits at all times.
- Ensure that your vehicle lights are on and clean and that your signal lights work properly.
- Do not drive impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Fatigue is also a form of impairment. Include rest stops and pull over if you're tired.
- Be prepared to react to wildlife along the roadsides, especially in the early evening and morning hours.
Alberta Sheriffs Supt. Rick Gardner says, "We remind motorists and pedestrians to always share the road." He adds that, "this Thanksgiving, respect the rules of the road, don't drive if you're tired, and watch for wildlife along the roadsides."
Alberta RCMP Supt. Gary Graham says, "We should work together to eliminate behaviours that put drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk, such as being distracted, impaired or fatigued." Graham explains that, "#OperationImpact will help Canadians stay safe on our roads."
Thanks to our partnership with Provincial Sheriffs, our Integrated Traffic Units will continue to ensure that Albertans make safe Thanksgiving driving decisions. Follow our #TrafficSafety tips on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.