With shorter days and wetter weather, the Coquitlam RCMP are reminding drivers and pedestrians to be safe when traveling around the community.
According to ICBC statistics, 43% of collisions involving a pedestrian occur between October and January, with an average of 2,300 people injured in crashes each year. In the last week, two pedestrians have been struck in Coquitlam and a third person from Port Coquitlam was critically injured after being hit by a truck Thursday morning while hailing a taxi in Pitt Meadows.
Mounties and ICBC staff will be handing out free safety reflectors and tip cards on Monday (Nov. 5) at several locations in the Tri-Cities, including:
• From 5:45 to 8:30 a.m. at the Burquitlam and Coquitlam Centre SkyTrain stations and Port Coquitlam's West Coast Express station;
• From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam city hall.
The RCMP said pedestrians are advised to wear brighter clothing and focus their attention on the road and traffic and leave their phones alone when crossing the street. They should also avoid crossing mid-block and follow pedestrian signs and traffic signals.
Meanwhile, motorists are asked to focus on the road and put away their phones and electronic devices while driving. They should always yield to pedestrians, especially when turning at intersections and near transit stops, and give themselves extra time and space to stop in case person suddenly crosses the street.
The Coquitlam RCMP's Community Police Stations will hold a workshop on pedestrian and transit safety on Thursday (Nov. 8) between 6 and 8:30 p.m. in council chambers at Port Coquitlam city hall.
Speakers include Metro Vancouver Transit Police, ICBC and the community policing manager for Port Coquitlam. The session is free but seating is limited so participants are asked to register. For more information go to icbc.com.
@gmckennaTC
