Residents urged to Be Bright @ Night during darker months ahead

The District of Squamish, ICBC, RCMP and the Community Policing Office 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.

“As the days get shorter in the months ahead and the winter rains set in, it’s our responsibility as drivers, as cyclists and as pedestrians to make eye contact and stay alert on the sidewalks, roads and bike lanes, especially when crossing the street,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “Please travel in well-lit areas whenever possible, wear brightly coloured clothing and reflective gear and encourage your children, teens and youth to do the same.”

Now in its eighth 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.

“Distracted driving and failing to yield the right-of-way are the top contributing factors for drivers in crashes with pedestrians,” said Harvey Kooner, local ICBC road safety coordinator. “Even when drivers proceed with caution, it’s hard to see pedestrians at this time of year when visibility is poor. Please focus on the road and leave your phone alone.”

ICBC-sponsored reflectors and reflective arm bands will be available free of charge at Municipal Hall, the Squamish Public Library and Brennan Park Recreation Centre while quantities last. Reflectors will also be distributed at The 55 Wellness Fair and Influenza Immunization Clinic on Wednesday, October 30 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.  A special thank you is extended to the Community Policing Office volunteers for helping facilitate this distribution effort.

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

October 30, 2019