DriveSmartBC

There have been a number of pedestrian deaths in the news lately that resulted from being hit by a motor vehicle. These incidents typically take place at night or when visibility is poor. Readers have reminded me that this is the time of year when the days are becoming noticeably shorter and both pedestrians and drivers need a reminder about safety.

Pedestrians need to remember that they must walk on a sidewalk if one is present. If not, they must walk on the left facing oncoming traffic. It's dangerous, but you are entitled to use both the extreme left edge of the roadway or the shoulder. Of course, if the shoulder is available, you would be foolish to insist on using the edge of the roadway or traffic lane.

Drivers must exercise due care to avoid collision with a pedestrian who is on the highway. Remember, a highway includes both the extreme left edge of the roadway and the shoulder.

Reminders out of the way, what's the best way for a pedestrian to be seen while walking at night? Light colored clothing? A traffic vest? The right answer is "none of the above." If you really want to be safe the buzzword is Biological Motion.

Reflectors at shoulders, elbows, wrists, waist, knees and ankles are noticed three times further away than a person wearing only light coloured clothing. The motion of the reflectors appears to be readily identifiable by drivers as a pedestrian's movements and are eye catching. It is said that an observer can even judge if the wearer of the reflectors is a male or female just by studying their motion.

If you are going to be walking on or beside the highway at night, consider purchasing and using reflective banding for your clothing. It's a small price to pay to avoid becoming a statistic.

References:

Duty of Driver - Section 181 MVA
Pedestrian Walking Along Highway - Section 182 MVA
Pedestrian Conspicuity at Night: How Much Biological Motion is Enough? - Walkinginfo.org