Walk Wisely As Days Get Shorter  –

It is time to brush up on pedestrian safety with the daylight hours becoming shorter. The highest number of crashes involving pedestrians occur on Thursdays and Fridays; between 3 pm and 6 pm; during the fall and winter.

Unfortunately, about one of every five victims of fatal car crashes in BC is a pedestrian. About 2,400 pedestrians are injured every year.

To not become a statistic, here are some helpful tips:

• Look both ways before crossing the intersection. Drivers are focused on oncoming traffic and may not see you.
• Always use crosswalks and follow pedestrian signs and traffic signals.
• Always make eye contact; do not assume the driver can see you.
• Phone down, head up; do not be distracted while crossing the street. This also means no headphones while crossing an intersection.
• Wear bright/reflective clothing at night and/or during poor weather.

Stop by the CPC to pick up a reflective tag (provided by ICBC).

PROJECT FULL STOP

The Hastings Sunrise Community Policing Centre’s new initiative, Project Full Stop, is under way until mid-December 2022. This is a pilot initiative of the Road Safety program.

Volunteers will distribute 300 safety kits to elementary school children at stations that are popular along walking routes. These kits include a reflective armband and an information sheet on how to be a safe pedestrian.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or a caregiver to receive a kit. For adults, volunteers will also be distributing reflector tags and information sheets on how to be a pedestrian-friendly driver.