Annual pedestrian safety campaign reminds residents to be bright and be seen in the darker months ahead

The District of Squamish, ICBC and RCMP are once again 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.

“Our days are becoming shorter and it's our responsibility as drivers, as cyclists and as pedestrians to make eye contact and really be alert on our sidewalks, roads and bike lanes,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “We must use extra caution during these dark, wet days ahead and look out for one another, especially at intersections and when turning corners. Please travel in well-lit areas whenever possible, wear brightly coloured clothing and reflective gear and encourage your children and youth to do the same.”

Now in its ninth year, the Be Bright @ Night campaign, launched initially by the Squamish Trails Society, is a plea for all cyclists and pedestrians to wear bright clothing and reflective gear when out on dark winter roads and a reminder of the importance of reflective accessories and gear for pets. 

ICBC-sponsored reflectors will once again be distributed while quantities last. Stay tuned for information on where to find them in the coming days.  

Fast Facts:

In British Columbia:

• Crashes involving pedestrians are highest on Thursdays and Fridays and between 3 and 6 p.m. every day.
• 45% of all crashes involving pedestrians occur between October and January.
• 78% of crashes involving pedestrians happen at intersections.
• Every year, on average, 2,900 crashes involve a pedestrian.