It’s a simple fact of life. Drivers cannot avoid what they cannot see.
West Region OPP caution pedestrians and cyclists who venture out after dark or in low-light conditions to ensure you are visible to motorists.
Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight.
Cyclists should have functioning lights and reflectors on their bicycles.
Since September, OPP West Region members have responded to four fatal collisions involving two pedestrians, a cyclist, and a motorcyclist, in which drivers reported they couldn’t see the victim before the collision.
Safety advice for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists:
- If you venture out after dark or in low-light conditions, you should remember the importance of being visible to traffic. Drivers cannot avoid what they cannot see.
- Pedestrians should wear bright or reflective clothing and carry a flashlight.
- It is safest to walk on sidewalks. Where there are no sidewalks, always walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic.
- Cross at pedestrian crosswalks or crossovers. Don’t cross in the middle of a block or between parked cars.
- Cross only when traffic has come to a full stop.
- Cyclists should have functioning lights and reflectors on their bicycles.
- Motorcyclists should ensure their lighting system is functional and fully engaged when dark or in low light.
- Watch for vehicles turning at intersections.
- Watch for vehicles entering or leaving driveways.
Safety advice for motorists:
- Motorists should always watch for pedestrians, especially during dark hours.
- Cut the distractions, look ahead, drive within the speed limit, and allow time to react to unexpected situations.
- Be extra careful when driving in a school zone
- Yield right-of-way. When a pedestrian is at a crossing, you must stop.
- Do not proceed until the crosswalk is clear of pedestrians.
