Alberta’s Traffic Safety Focus

Both drivers and pedestrians are responsible for safety. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks, but pedestrians also have the responsibility to cross safely.

Facts to Know

In 2013, in Alberta, 47 pedestrians were killed and 1,167 were injured. As well in 2013, 44.6% of the drivers in casualty collisions involving a pedestrian were recorded as failing to yield the right of way to the pedestrian.

• Don’t assume drivers see you and will stop. Always be cautious and watch for vehicles that are not stopping.
  
• Be visible. More pedestrian collisions occur during months of low light conditions. Wear reflective clothing and carry a flashlight!
• Pay attention! Remove headphones and put away cellphones or other electronic devices when crossing the street.
  
• Walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk off the road, facing traffic, staying as far away from the vehicles as possible.
  
• Alcohol is often a factor in serious pedestrian collisions. On average, more than 45% of pedestrians in fatal crashes and 13% in injury crashes had consumed alcohol prior to the collision.
  Pedestrian safety is for all ages. The casualty rates per 10,000 populations are highest for pedestrians between the ages of 15 and 24. However, 60% of pedestrians killed are 25 and older.
  
• Drinking pedestrians are also at risk of death or injury. On average each year, from 2008 to 2012, 16 pedestrians who were involved in fatal collisions and 127 of those involved in injury collisions had consumed alcohol prior to the collision.
  
• Most casualty collisions involving pedestrians occur in urban areas. More of these crashes occur on a Friday. The most likely time period for these collisions, on any day of the week, is between 3 and 7 p.m.
  One study of pedestrian deaths found that pedestrians were more likely than drivers to have made an error (50% versus 39%). Pedestrians almost always made an error in mid-block and intersection dash crashes – when a pedestrian suddenly appears in the path of a vehicle. Drivers usually made an error in other crash types such as when a vehicle is turning or backing up, or when a vehicle leaves the road and strikes a pedestrian.
  
• Both drivers and pedestrians are responsible for safety…
  

Drivers:

• When approaching an intersection or crosswalk be alert for pedestrians;
  Watch for vehicles stopped or slowing in the lane next to yours. They may be yielding to a pedestrian;
  
• Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk carries a fine of $575 plus four demerit points;
  
• Stay alert and slow down on residential streets, and through school and playground zone  

Pedestrians: 

• Be alert at intersections and always look out for danger when crossing the street;
  Make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street;
  
• Be seen! Wear brightly coloured or reflective clothing especially when walking in low light or poor weather conditions;
  
• Abide by traffic signs and signals. They are in place for your safety;
  
• If you are impaired, seek assistance and alternative transportation.

For more information on pedestrian safety or any other traffic safety matter in Alberta, please contact:

Bruce Adams,
Regional Traffic Safety Consultant Capital Region, Alberta Office of Traffic Safety                             

P: 780-920-8441 E: bruce.adams@gov.ab.ca

or

Dale Friedel
Regional Traffic Safety Consultant
West Central Alberta & Alberta Metis Off-Settlement Alberta Office of Traffic Safety                    

P: 780-292-0898 E: dale.friedel@gov.ab.ca