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

The District of Squamish, ICBC, and the 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 look out for one another and use extra caution during these dark, wet days ahead,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “We need to remember that pedestrians are especially vulnerable so please keep their safety in mind and take extra time to look for hazards particularly around intersections. As pedestrians, we can help by making eye contact with other road-users, wear brightly coloured clothing or reflective gear and try to travel in well-lit areas whenever possible.”

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

“We're reminding road users to be extra alert during the fall and winter months, as visibility and weather conditions worsen,” said Louisa Mendonca, ICBC Road Safety Coordinator. “When driving, focus on the road, leave your phone alone and be ready to yield to pedestrians – especially at intersections. When walking, always use designated crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers and try to be as reflective as possible.”

Fast Facts:

• In B.C., an average of 2,400 pedestrians is injured in car crashes every year.
• Crashes involving pedestrians happen most often:
  • on Thursdays and Fridays.
  • between 3 and 6 p.m.
  • in the fall and winter months (October to January).
  • at intersections (79% of crashes).

Pedestrian safety reflectors are available at Municipal Hall and Brennan Park Recreation Centre while quantities last.

For more pedestrian safety tips, visit http://squamish.ca/bright-at-night.

October 29, 2021