Coquitlam Mounties have consistently preached that road safety is everyone's responsibility, whether you're a pedestrian or a motorist.
Between 2016 and 2020 — the latest available data provided by ICBC — there were a combined 460 crashes involving pedestrians in places like Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
Sadly, 21 people died in that span from a collision including nine drivers, six passengers and six pedestrians.
"Coquitlam RCMP is hopeful that both drivers and pedestrians are always mindful of pedestrian safety," said Cst. Deanna Law in a statement today (Feb. 3).
"Our officers will be out in the community providing education on pedestrian safety along with enforcement when required."
In Coquitlam, 309 crashes were recorded by ICBC, along with 118 in Port Coquitlam and 33 in Port Moody.
The most dangerous intersection between the three communities was Lougheed Highway and North Road in the Cariboo area with 17 known pedestrian collisions.
With winter predicted to last another six weeks, the days are likely to stay short coupled with what could be unexpected weather patterns.
Starting Monday (Feb. 7), RCMP is set to launch a new campaign that hopes to relay its safety-for-all message by running a contest to give away a "unique lighted umbrella."
The goal is to encourage the public to be as visible as possible when choosing to walk at night or during rainy days.
According to ICBC, an average of 52 people die and 2,400 are injured in the province each year resulting from motor vehicle incidents involving pedestrians.
Of those numbers, 79 per cent take place at intersections and many are the result of distracted driving and failing to yield for pedestrians.
Coquitlam RCMP has provided the tips to avoid related incidents:
PEDESTRIANS
- Be visible!
- Wear bright colours and use lights and reflectors
- Use marked crossings
- Make eye contact before crossing
- Never assume the driver sees you
- Put down the phone and take out headphones while walking
MOTORISTS
- Use caution at intersections/crosswalks
- Expect and look for pedestrians wearing dark colours
- Do not drive distracted
- ie. Put your phone down
- If a vehicle has stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, it may be yielding for a pedestrian
The umbrella contest is set to run from Monday to Saturday next week (Feb. 7-12).
You can visit Coquitlam RCMP's Facebook or Twitter pages for more information.
