Annual Be Bright @ Night campaign shines the light on pedestrian safety

The District of Squamish, ICBC, RCMP and the Community Policing Office are reminding residents to be bright and be seen with the annual Be Bright @ Night campaign that focuses on safety and visibility while travelling in the dark fall and winter months.

“It’s that time of year when we strongly urge the entire community to be extra aware on the roads and sidewalks during these upcoming months of reduced daylight hours,” says District of Squamish Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “It’s our responsibility as drivers, as cyclists and as pedestrians to collectively reduce the risk of motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians.”

This is the sixth consecutive year of the Be Bright @ Night campaign, launched initially by the Squamish Trails Society as a plea for all cyclists and pedestrians to wear bright clothing and reflective gear when out on dark winter roads. The campaign also raises awareness around reflective accessories and gear for pets.

“43 per cent of all crashes where a pedestrian gets injured happen in just four months of the year, October to January, as visibility and conditions get worse,” said Harvey Kooner, local ICBC road safety coordinator. “When driving, we need to take a break from our phones, be extra alert at intersections and be ready to yield the right-of-way. When walking, we need to help drivers see us by staying focused on the road and making eye contact with drivers.”

ICBC-sponsored safety reflectors will be available free of charge at three locations throughout Squamish while quantities last: Squamish Public Library, Municipal Hall and Brennan Park Recreation Centre. 

Fast Facts:

• Crashes involving pedestrians happen most often between 3 and 6 p.m. and during fall and winter months.
• 76% of crashes involving pedestrians happen at intersections.
• Approximately 1 in 5 people killed in car crashes in B.C. are pedestrians.

For more pedestrian safety tips here visit our Be Bright at Night page.

November 2, 2017