The Manitoba Driver, from Manitoba Public Insurance About 300 words Treacherous road conditions and reduced visibility make wintertime a dangerous season for pedestrians – and another reason drivers should slow down. “Safety on the road is a shared responsibility between drivers and pedestrians,” says Lou Gervino, manager of Driver Education and Improvement for Manitoba Public Insurance. “Nevertheless there are times when pedestrians have the right of way over you and your vehicle.” At pedestrian corridors, drivers must stop when the overhead lights are flashing and pedestrians are about to cross. The exception is if they’re on the opposite side of a road that is separated by a median. A double solid line is not considered a separation in the roadway. It’s also illegal to pass traffic ahead of you that is slowing for pedestrians. Wait until those crossing have reached the other side of the street or the median before proceeding. Remember, no parking or stopping is allowed within 15 metres of a pedestrian corridor. “The responsibility for pedestrian safety doesn’t rest entirely with drivers,” Gervino adds. “Pedestrians should push the button to activate the warning lights, extend an arm forward before crossing, and step off the curb only when traffic has stopped.” And avoid dangerous activities, such as crossing the road without the right of way, crossing between intersections or running onto the road. January, February and March were statistically among the top five most dangerous months in 2007 for pedestrians. (September and October were the other two.) By far the most dangerous time of day for pedestrians is between 12 pm to 6 pm. In 2007, 38 per cent of injuries (166) and fatalities (three) occurred during those hours. Saturdays and Sundays accounted for the largest number of pedestrian deaths in 2007 at three each, while the largest number of injuries occurred on Wednesdays. --30-- © 2008 Manitoba Public Insurance |