Kamloops RCMP and ICBC amping up pedestrian safety campaign as daylight hours dwindle

KAMLOOPS — As the sun rises later and sets earlier in the autumn months, Kamloops RCMP and ICBC are reminding residents of the increased risk to pedestrians with fewer daylight hours.

Oct. 19 marked the third Wednesday where Cpl. Dana Napier and Ingrid Brakop, ICBC road safety coordinator, hit the sidewalks to educate drivers and pedestrians about the annual safety campaign.

“This is the time of the year when our light starts to change and it’s harder for people to see and recognize figures in the dark,” Napier says. “It’s also the time of year when more people are walking to school, to work, and around the community, especially considering how nice the weather has been this year – that’s definitely contributed to more people out walking.”

To help improve visibility, Napier and Brakop handed out zipper-pull reflectors for coats and backpacks and discussed other ways people can better ensure they’re seen, including by adding reflective elements to their clothing and pets, and making eye contact with drivers.

“Along with educating pedestrians, we’re also talking to drivers and reminding them to take a moment to look around and slow down so they can really see the people moving around crosswalks, roadways and intersections,” Napier says. “Regardless of who is responsible, a collision between a pedestrian and a vehicle is a tragic event for all those involved, including any witnesses and family members, which is why it’s so important for everyone to do their part in keeping the roadways safe.

According to ICBC, 150 pedestrians are injured in 230 crashes every year in the Southern Interior.

Kamloops RCMP say more pedestrian safety events are planned.