Mission Community Policing volunteers and RCMP officers were handing out reflectors and talking to West Coast Express riders at 5 a.m. Wednesday morning about pedestrian safety.
This week, ICBC launched its new education campaign across the province to help keep pedestrians safe.
“Pedestrian injuries increase in the fall and winter,” said Don Miller, ICBC’s road safety coordinator. “We’re asking drivers to do their part to share our roads safely and watch out for pedestrians, especially when turning in intersections. As a pedestrian, you need to make eye contact with drivers and wear reflective clothing or gear to make it easier for drivers to see you.”
According to ICBC statistics, one in five people killed in crashes are pedestrians. Every year on average, 58 pedestrians are killed, and 2,400 are injured in the province, said Miller.
In Mission, there were 27 incidents involving pedestrians from 2009-2013.
Pedestrians should always make eye contact with drivers, dress to be seen, and never use electronic devices when crossing a road, said Miller.
The personal reflectors from ICBC are available at the Community Policing office at 33131 First Ave. until the end of November.
For more information on pedestrian safety, visit icbc.com.
