ICBC urges caution as pedestrian injuries nearly double

October 09, 2018

Almost double the number of pedestrians are injured in crashes from October to January as the weather changes and daylight hours decrease.*

That's why today, ICBC is launching a pedestrian safety campaign with police to urge pedestrians and drivers to stay safe as crashes with pedestrians spike at this time of year.

Pedestrian safety is a serious concern in B.C. – they're the most vulnerable road user to being injured when a crash occurs. Drivers should take extra time to look for pedestrians before turning, avoid distractions and be ready to yield.

Pedestrians can help stay safe by making eye contact, appearing as reflective as possible and only using designated crosswalks.

ICBC and community policing volunteers will be handing out reflectors and safety tips in high pedestrian traffic areas across the province to help pedestrians stay visible.

This year's campaign features radio and online advertising that reminds drivers: you see pedestrians when you really look for them.

Learn more with ICBC's infographic and tips.

Quotes:

Chief Constable Neil Dubord, Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee

"Distracted driving and failing to yield the right-of-way remain the top contributing factors for drivers in crashes involving pedestrians. These are dangerous driving behaviours which will not be tolerated by police."

Lindsay Matthews, ICBC's interim vice-president responsible for road safety

"Even when drivers proceed with caution, it's hard to see pedestrians at this time of year when visibility is poor. Crashes with pedestrians are highest between 3pm and 6pm every day, when most of us are commuting home from school and work. Please focus on the road and leave your phone alone. It's time we all do our part to create a safer driving culture in B.C."

Regional statistics**:

• In the Lower Mainland every year, on average, 2,100 crashes involve a pedestrian.

• On Vancouver Island every year, on average, 370 crashes involve a pedestrian.

• In the Southern Interior every year, on average, 270 crashes involve a pedestrian.

• In the North Central region every year, on average, 86 crashes involve a pedestrian.

Editor's note: Pedestrian involved crash statistics for municipalities are available upon request.

*In B.C., 1,120 pedestrians are injured in crashes between October and January and 640 pedestrians are injured between May and August. ICBC data based on five year average from 2013 to 2017.

**ICBC data based on five year average from 2013 to 2017.

Media contact:

Lindsay Wilkins
604-982-4759