“Being seen is being safe.”
That’s from ICBC Northern Road Safety Manager Doug MacDonald as the weather changes and the days get shorter in Prince George.
This morning (Tuesday), the auto insurance corporation, the PG RCMP, and community policing volunteers were handing out reflectors to pedestrians at the Pine Centre Mall and College of New Caledonia.
Pedestrian fatalities in BC increase by 54% between October and January.
MacDonald told MyPGNow.com that the initiative reinforces the message of having bright reflective clothing when walking outdoors.
“The idea behind this is to have a little bit of fun with this and to remind people that it’s important to be seen. Using the crosswalks is so important throughout the year but particularly this time of year when we see the daylight hours go down. We want to make sure people can be seen.”
MacDonald added whether you are wearing a dark or light-coloured jacket, being seen is being safe.
“Black is the most popular colour for a jacket out there whether you are living in Prince George or Vancouver. We want to make sure that you are there to be seen. It makes it easier for drivers to see you and from a drivers standpoint it’s important that we are taking an extra scan of the intersection making sure pedestrians are out there.”
“When those seven o’clock hours change now it’s still dusk outside, it’s still dark outside and the days are going to get shorter and shorter as we get into December. One of the big things we need to do is wear a reflective-type vest while we are walking our dogs or spending time with the kids. We need to put something on that’s reflective.”