| Text Release Date and Time: 2009-08-24 08
August 24 - 31 - Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian safety is for all ages. Unfortunately, in traffic incidents
involving pedestrians and motorists, it is the pedestrian who suffers, often
with
tragic results. In many cases it is not the driver's fault. It is the
responsibility of both driver and pedestrian to ensure each others safety by
following some simple rules.
As a pedestrian:
- Cross at marked crosswalks or traffic lights, not in the middle of the
block or between parked cars;
- Make sure drivers see you before you cross;
- Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop;
- At a traffic light, cross at the beginning of a green light. Do not
cross once the "Don't Walk" signal begins to flash or once the light has turned
to
yellow
- Never cross on a red light;
- Watch for traffic turning at intersections or entering and leaving
driveways;
- Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, when walking in
dusk or darkness.
As a motorist:
- Be patient, especially with older pedestrians who need more time to
cross the road;
- Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning;
- Remember, stay alert and slow down on residential streets and through
school zones.
- All intersections are crosswalks marked or unmarked.
Obey all posted speed limits. Studies have shown that a pedestrian struck by
a vehicle raveling at 60km/h is 70% more likely to die from their injuries than a pedestrian struck at 50km/h.
The MHPS safety messaging trailer will be displaying "Yield to Pedestrians -
It's the LAW" for the period of August 24th to August 31. The fine for
failing to failing to yield to pedestrian in a crosswalk is $575.00. The
fine for overtaking or passing another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk is also
$575.00.
For more information contact:
Sgt Stacey Fishley
Supervisor i/c Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
403-529-8471 |
Office of the Chief
