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Visibility, safe distances and alert driving; road safety encouraged for all

Pedestrian Safety Day highlights everyone's part in road safety through the dark and wet season ahead

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed November 12, 2024 1:30 PM

Summary

As the days shorten and the weather turns cold and wet, pedestrians are less visible and more at risk, especially during the darker hours. Drivers are asked to pay extra attention to their surroundings, slow down and remain focused while driving, particularly at intersections (the most common places for drivers to hit pedestrians).

Pedestrians should also take extra care while walking this winter. Do not assume drivers can see you, and use high viz clothing, reflectors and lights to make yourself as visible as possible. Pedestrians also need to focus on being present; heads up, phones down and headphones off when crossing the street. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the road.

To help encourage safety, on November 13 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. City staff will be handing out free feather reflectors to pedestrians in the Old City Quarter.

This year, the City is also asking drivers to respect the Province of BC's new legislation (June 2024) around safe passing distances. Driver's must:

  • always take proper precautions around cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users on a public road; and

  • keep a safe distance when passing vulnerable road users.

The minimum passing distances on:

  • highways (50 km/h or less) is 1.0 m;

  • highways (more than 50 km/h) is 1.5 m; and

  • for drivers interacting with vulnerable road users who are in separated and protected cycling lanes and on sidewalks is 0.5 m.

Let’s all stay alert and safe on our roads this winter.

Link to Strategic Plan: Promoting pedestrian and driver safety supports Council's goal Livability, creating a safer community for all.

Key Points

  • Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users in a crash.
  • Drivers should be ready to yield to pedestrians near crosswalks, transit stops and at intersections.
  • Pedestrians can help stay safe by making eye contact with drivers, using designated crosswalks and wearing highly visible clothing.

Quotes

"We are striving to make walking a safe and comfortable way for citizens to move about Nanaimo. Pedestrian Safety Day brings awareness to the importance of seeing and being seen especially as our winter weather descends on us. Be bright, be visible and please, stay safe."

Leonard Krog
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

Images

Rainbow feather reflector
Rainbow feather reflector
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Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact
Communications
City of Nanaimo
250-754-4251

Print News Release

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