Four months to go in the year and Vancouver has already surpassed last year’s traffic death toll. The city is now up to 11 traffic fatalities – 2 more than all of 2010.
In response, the VPD has launched a campaign to crack down on intersection infractions by both drivers and pedestrians. Police are increasing traffic enforcement across the city, particularly along busy thoroughfares such as Cambie, Knight, Main and Hastings streets.
The police are not only targeting drivers. They are also watching for pedestrian-related offences such as jaywalking and disobeying signal lights.
The Province reports that bylaw infractions for jaywalking in 2010 jumped 62% from 2009. Failure to obey traffic signals increased by 32%.
Police say recent pedestrian collisions usually occur between 3 and 4 a.m. Drivers do not expect to see pedestrians in the middle of the night and are not paying proper attention.
The VPD gives tips for both pedestrians and drivers:
- drivers are reminded to slow down and look for pedestrians in the roadway at all times of the day and night.
- pedestrians are advised to wear bright clothing and cross at well-lit intersections if out late at night.
For more information, check out BCAA’s news release on intersection safety: http://www.bcaa.com/campaignMedia/images/eletter/images/1108-IntersectionSafety.pdf.
