Be Bright @ Night campaign urges pedestrians to be seen as visibility decreases

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.

“As we head into a season of reduced daylight hours, we strongly urge the entire community, especially our teens and youth, to be extra vigilant on the sidewalks, roads and bike lanes,” 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 seventh 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.

“Nearly half of all crashes involving pedestrians happen between October and January, as visibility and conditions get worse,” said Harvey Kooner, local ICBC road safety coordinator. “When driving, we need to leave our phones alone and be extra alert, especially when turning at intersections. As cyclists and pedestrians, we need to help drivers see us by making eye contact and being as reflective as possible, especially in dark, wet weather.”

ICBC-sponsored 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. A special thank you is extended to the Community Policing Office volunteers for helping facilitate this distribution effort.

The District of Squamish is challenging all Grade 5/6 students to create and submit a video showing us how to Be Bright at Night for a chance to win a class pizza party. The winning submission will be published on the squamish.ca website. Submit your video link to communications@squamish.ca by Thursday, December 20 to enter!

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, visit http://squamish.ca/bright-at-night

November 1, 2018