Happy Vaisakhi – be safe on the road
Every year when the temperatures warm up and daylight increases, more pedestrians are out on our roads. Spring is also the start of seasonal outdoor events and activities like the upcoming Vaisakhi parades in Vancouver on April 12 and Surrey on April 19. Attendance is estimated at 80,000 in Vancouver and upwards of 200,000 in Surrey. That’s a lot of pedestrian traffic!
For these reasons, drivers need to be prepared to share the road with more pedestrians at this time of year. As a driver, you should always be watching for pedestrians but especially at intersections and transit locations. Give yourself plenty of space to stop in case a pedestrian suddenly crosses the street. Unfortunately, a pedestrian is much more vulnerable to being hurt or killed in a crash.
In fact, on average, 588 pedestrians are injured in crashes every year in Vancouver and 287 are injured in Surrey.
If you’re ready to celebrate spring, get out and join the crowds at Vaisakhi. For the first time, ICBC will be at the parades with OMNI TV, handing out pedestrian reflectors and safety tips to help you stay safe. I hope to see you there!
Regardless, enjoy your spring-time activities and please keep your full attention on the road whether you’re walking or driving.
Happy Vaisakhi to you and your family!
BY HARVEY KOONER
ICBC Road Safety Coordinator