Cst. Bryan Dunnett  talks about driver and pedestrian distraction – photos 250News

Prince George,  BC – Both drivers and pedestrians can take steps to ensure  pedestrian safety.  That was the focus of a morning demonstration in Prince George.

RCMP Municipal Traffic Services Investigator, Constable Bryan Dunnett,  says  too often  pedestrians are  talking on their phone, texting or  oblivious to surroundings because they  have  ear buds on.   Often, without looking, they step off the curb into a crosswalk,  not having checked to ensure  there is no threat from oncoming traffic. “Our greatest problem is  a left turn  across a  crosswalk” says Cst. Dunnett.

According to ICBC,  seven of every 10 pedestrians killed in  intersections  while cross with the  signal, are hit by vehicles turning left.  Every day, there are  226 crashes in  intersections in B.C.

Five people  lost their lives in pedestrian – motor vehicle incidents over the  winter in Prince George,  the worst  pedestrian  fatality  count  in  recent history. While there was no  common thread  that would  point to a single  safety issue,  visibility  stands out  as one that  will help all pedestrians and drivers.

( at right, driver-pedestrian  interaction simulation)

Driver-pedestrian  eye contact is important says Cst. Dunnett,  it’s the one step   that  ensures  driver and pedestrian are aware of each others presence “The driver may have a blind spot  because of the pillar between the windshield and side window,  and the pedestrian  has not made eye contact with the driver to ensure   both  are aware of each other’s presence.”

Cst. Dunnett says  eye contact is a key factor “When you step off the curb, you don’t know if the driver  making the turn is impaired,  distracted,  perhaps not even licensed, but it’s important  to make  that  eye contact  before  taking another step.”

Visibility also means  wearing light coloured clothing and if possible, reflective  strips or  decals,  and if  in a more rural setting,  carrying a flashlight  to make sure  traffic is aware you are there.

Of course,  there is the  sage advice of  always walking facing  oncoming  traffic.  Drivers  are also  responsible  for yielding to pedestrians  who are crossing at an intersection.  Pedestrians are responsible  for  yielding to traffic  if  they  are crossing  at a spot other than  an intersection or crosswalk.

Prince George RCMP, led by its Traffic Services Section, will be conducting targeted enforcement action against both drivers and pedestrians on Prince George roadways. These enforcement actions will be primarily at intersections and crosswalks, but not limited to them.