Not only should you look both ways before you cross the street but you should make sure you're at a crosswalk, otherwise you could get a ticket with a stiff fine.
That's the message from Prince George RCMP, who've noticed an increased number of jaywalkers as the weather has warmed.
Over the course of just one week, RCMP have issued more than 60 tickets for the offence, each carrying a $109 fine. Of course, that could be the least of your problems if you cause an accident or are hit by a vehicle.
Jaywalkers have been a particular problem along Victoria Street, Cpl. Craig Douglass said, which is possibly one of the worst roads to be pulling such a stunt because it's four lanes of heavy traffic. And often jaywalkers are just a few metres away from a crosswalk when they step into harm's way.
Some of those offenders have turned out to be wanted for other offences, Douglass said, and were subsequently arrested.
And some of them had been drinking or walking along with open liquor, "which is even a worse combination," Douglass said.
It works both ways. Drivers must stop for pedestrians at all intersections.
"This applies whether the intersection is controlled or not, and whether there is a marked crosswalk or not," Douglass said. "The only exceptions are where crossing on foot is prohibited."
Failing to yield to a pedestrian carries a $167 fine.
Drivers who are faced with a jaywalker are urged to use caution although they can keep going if the person is in another lane.
"If in doubt, stop," Douglass said.
