ICBC's latest campaign focus through to the new year is all about pedestrian safety.
As winter begins to take shape in Prince George and across northern B.C., the number of people who are injured in crashes almost doubles due to abrupt weather changes and shorter daylight hours.
The city saw 39 crashes involving a pedestrian between October 2018 and January 2019, the highest total in the last five years of ICBC research and higher than its year-over-year average (32).
That's also 14 more pedestrian-related crashes compared to 25 in 2017.
In the north-central region, the company says an average of 87 crashes took place in that same frame from 2014 to 2018.
Though local numbers are small compared to the three other regions in their research, those contribute to the 1,200 pedestrians injured in the province year after year.
Between May and August, the stat is cut in half to 670.
“Even when drivers proceed with caution, it’s hard to see pedestrians at this time of year when visibility is poor,” said Lindsay Matthews, ICBC vice president of public affairs and driver licensing in a release. “Crashes with pedestrians are highest between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. every day, when most of us are commuting home from school and work. Please focus on the road and leave your phone alone.”
Drivers are encouraged to take extra time to look for pedestrians when turning and avoid distractions while driving.
Pedestrians can also stay safe by making eye contact with drivers and be aware of vehicles making turns at intersections.
Driving requires your full attention. Slow down and drive with care when visibility is reduced by fog and rain. https://t.co/hPx18CUon2 #ShiftIntoWinter pic.twitter.com/J311XFqcdA
— ICBC (@icbc) October 16, 2019
