With students back in classes across the region and with inclement fall weather likely just around the corner, drivers are being reminded of the importance of ensuring that student pedestrian safety is an everyday top priority.
With pedestrians, including youngsters, always having a clear disadvantage in any collision with cars and trucks, it is up to motorists to make sure they do all they can to prevent and avoid collisions.
Between 2011 and 2015, an average of 44 pedestrians were killed and more than 1,187 pedestrians were injured in collisions with motor vehicles in Alberta every year.
In an effort to help reduce the number of pedestrian-vehicle collisions in the future – and in particularly those involving school kids – the province and its stakeholder partners undertake a number of safety initiatives, including the annual Traffic Safety Day.
During Traffic Safety Day, students receive instruction on how to behave safely when around motor vehicles, including when crossing streets.
Transportation Minister Brian Mason rightly says motorists have an obligation to operate safely when around youngsters, including at the beginning of every school year.
“September can be an exciting time for children, who are eager to see friends and learn new things,” said Mason. “This excitement may cause them to react in ways drivers don’t expect, and even more so after two months of summer vacation. Drivers have a responsibility to be extra cautious to protect the most vulnerable in society: our children.”
The Saferoads program includes the following tips for parents and other caregivers to pass on to youngsters to make sure the kids are seen by drivers:
- Wear light-coloured clothing. “We recommend brightly-coloured clothing; it will improve your visibility to other drivers and make sure that you're seen while crossing in the road or walking/running against traffic.”
- Signal your intent. “Use hand signals before crossing the road to let drivers know what you plan on doing. Fully extend your right or left arm and point in the direction you're going in before crossing.”
- Watch the weather. “When it's raining, snowing, or there's a heavy fog, you can be even harder to see outside. Make sure that you wear brightly-coloured clothing, reflectors, and use hand signals at all times.”
Drivers are also reminded of their year-round obligation to obey the rules when encountering school buses.
While the penalty for failing to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights is $543 and six demerit points, the very fact that young lives could be put at risk should be reason enough to follow the rules.
Ensuring pedestrian safety should and must be a top priority for every motorist.
- Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor
