STAYING IN TOUCH: JACQUELYN ODURO
With the warm weather continuing into fall, we will likely see more pedestrian and cyclist traffic as folks enjoy the remaining beautiful weather before winter. When discussing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, it’s important to address the shared responsibility of all road users. Each group faces specific risks, but there are simple actions you can take to improve safety for everyone.
For Pedestrian Safety:
- Always use crosswalks and follow traffic signals.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility, especially at night or in low light conditions.
- Avoid using cell phones while crossing roads and remain alert.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure they see you
For Cyclist Safety:
- Always wear a helmet while riding
- Use bike lanes where available and follow traffic rules/signals, riding in the same direction as vehicles.
- Use clear hand signals to indicate turns or stops.
- Add front and rear lights to your bike to increase visibility
For Vehicle Safety:
- Follow speed limits, especially in areas with heavy pedestrian and cyclist traffic, such as school zones, arenas, and recreation centres.
- Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, watching for flashing lights
- Keep blind spots in mind and check mirrors regularly.
- Do not use your phone or other devices while driving.
- Maintain a distance of at least 3 feet/1 meter with other vehicles to avoid collisions.
Mutual respect and awareness by all road users is essential. Together we can make our roads safe for everyone. For more road safety tips contact your regional advisor.
