Since June, the Okotoks RCMP have investigated four pedestrian collisions with vehicles, so the detachment is providing tips to make the roads safer for everyone.
RCMP say that fall is a season of change in Alberta, where days get shorter, which can heavily impact visibility and driving conditions.
This October, the Okotoks RCMP offer the following safety tips for both drivers and pedestrians to ensure the safety of all road users:
Drivers:
• Be mindful when driving in school and playground zones, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons. Drive the speed limit to ensure you are able to brake and come to a stop quickly if needed.
• Never pass vehicles that are stopped at a crosswalk. There may be pedestrians crossing you cannot see.
• Do not assume pedestrians see you. Always make eye contact before turning at an intersection and ensure that pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk before you enter it.
• Marked or unmarked, crosswalks exist at all intersections. Always yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk.
Pedestrians:
• Follow the rules of the road and obey all posted signs and signals.
• Always try to cross streets at marked crosswalks. If a crosswalk is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic, and only cross when it’s safe to do so.
• Make sure that you are visible to motorists and that all vehicles have stopped before you enter a crosswalk.
• If you are walking when it is dark out or visibility is low, consider wearing high-visibility gear or clothing.
• If there is no sidewalk available, and you have to walk on a street, make sure to walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
For more traffic safety information, follow RCMP on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.
