Reflect on your safety
As a pedestrian or cyclist, one way to improve your visibility at night is to wear a reflective band around your arm, wrist or ankle. In motion these bands become even more visible to drivers and can be seen from a distance. The risk of being involved in an accident when traveling on foot or by bicycle in the dark is at least twice as much as when traveling during hours of daylight. On average, a pedestrian without a reflector can be seen at a distance of 30 meters in low light conditions. A reflector increases that distance by 120 meters.
Look out for each other
The slogan of the campaign is “Look out for each other”. It was created to emphasize that the safety of pedestrians on streets is the shared responsibility of all users of roadways and sidewalks.
Tips for Motorists :
- Stop for all pedestrians crossing in a crosswalk – it’s the law.
- Ensure proper visibility of your vehicle. Make sure your windshield and headlights are clean and don’t obstruct your view.
- Drive at a safe speed and be aware of pedestrian activity around you.
- Never pass a vehicle at a crosswalk.
- Wait until the pedestrian has completely cleared the intersection before proceeding.
- Make eye contact.
- When stopped at a crosswalk, make other drivers aware a pedestrian is in the crosswalk by flashing your brake lights or honking your horn.
- When turning left at an intersection, check to your left to make sure there are no pedestrians.
- Don’t park within five metres of a marked crosswalk or intersection.
- When turning right, check both ways to ensure there are no pedestrians nearby.
Tips for Pedestrians
- Ensure you are crossing the street safely.
- Use the Point, Pause and Proceed method to make motorists aware you are trying to cross the street.
- Wear light-coloured clothing and reflective devices so you are visible to motorists.
- Never cross the street at mid-block or against a signal.
- Understand and follow signals.
- Research indicates that children under the age of nine should always be accompanied by a responsible adult or older.
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