As the weather changes and daylight hours decrease, pedestrians become more vulnerable.
In an effort to reduce collisions involving pedestrians to zero this winter, the Delta Police Department is kicking off its #BEBRIGHT (Be Seen – Be Safe) pedestrian safety campaign.
The department has received a generous donation, through the Delta Police Foundation, of 1,000 high-visibility reflectors to distribute to Deltans with the aim of raising awareness around pedestrian safety, as well as increasing pedestrians’ visibility.
As part of this proactive campaign, officers from the DPD’s traffic section and community police offices will be handing out these reflectors to citizens in their communities. Citizens are also welcome to attend any one of the department’s community police stations in North Delta (located in Scottsdale Center, 7081 120 St.), Ladner (5072 48th Ave.) or Tsawwassen (located at Tsawwassen Town Centre Mall, 1247B 56th St.) to pick up a reflector while quantities.
Road safety is a shared responsibility and Delta Police are reminding both drivers and pedestrians to be extra vigilant and to watch out for each other. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
For Pedestrians:
- Always pay attention to traffic.
- Don’t assume drivers will always stop or obey traffic signals.
- Wear bright or light-coloured clothing and reflective material on your clothes (sleeves, shoes, jacket or cap).
- Remove your head phones.
- Don’t text and walk.
- Focus your full attention on the roadway so you can see and hear, and respond safely when you’re crossing the street.
For Drivers:
- Always yield to pedestrians at intersections.
- Be alert, and scan left and right for pedestrians when you approach any intersection.
- Drive defensively.
- Be prepared for poor driving conditions or unsafe actions of other drivers, pedestrians or cyclists.
- If a vehicle is stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, be prepared to stop as they may be yielding for a pedestrian.
- Expect the unexpected.
The Delta Police Department continues to strive toward making Delta’s roads safer for everyone — drivers and pedestrians alike — and need your help to get to zero pedestrian-involved collisions.
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