Darker months ahead reignite “Be Bright at Night”

Annual pedestrian safety campaign reminds residents to be bright to be seen and drivers to take extra care

The District of Squamish, ICBC, and RCMP are once again reminding residents to take extra caution when outside with the annual Be Bright at Night campaign that focuses on safety and visibility during the darkest months of the year. The Be Bright at Night campaign, launched initially by the Squamish Trails Society, is a plea for all cyclists, skateboarders and pedestrians to wear something bright, fluorescent, or reflective when travelling through the community after dark. Being bright should also be adopted during dull, rainy days when it’s more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists due to oncoming headlights, rain and wet roads.

“The Be Bright at Night campaign is particularly significant in Squamish given our community continues to be active through Squamish’s darker and wetter months,” says District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford. “These conditions greatly impair visibility for drivers putting pedestrians and cyclists at risk. Accidents happen every year, often with tragic results, so while driving please exercise extra caution, and while moving about our community on foot or bike please take steps to be bright and reflective. These simple actions could save a life, maybe even your own.” 

Prismatic reflectors will be given away this year at four locations throughout the community. Residents will be able to pick some up at Squamish Public Library, RCMP Detachment, Municipal Hall, and Brennan Park Recreation Centre (while supplies last).  

“In Squamish over the last five years police investigated eight car accidents involving pedestrians. Campaigns such as Be Bright at Night are important because they help us remind each other about road and pedestrian safety,” says Corporal Angela Kermer, Sea to Sky RCMP Media Relations Officer. “These eight accidents were eight too many. Anything people can do to make themselves, loved ones, pets, and equipment more visible while out at night will help increase their safety.” 

As the weather changes and daylight hours decrease in fall and winter, crashes involving pedestrians increase significantly across B.C.

Did you know: 

• Almost one in five people killed in car crashes across B.C. are pedestrians.
• Year-round, crashes involving pedestrians happen most often from October to January, on Thursdays and Fridays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• 79% of crashes involving pedestrians in B.C. happen at intersections. 

Further driver and pedestrian tips and information are available on the ICBC website.

November 4, 2022