More frost and less light: Driving conditions are changing in Alberta, and the RCMP wants to make sure motorists and pedestrians are taking all reasonable safety precautions.
Traffic safety information is available on X @RCMPAlberta.
Tips for drivers include:
- 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 that 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. Drivers must stop at crosswalks when pedestrians are crossing.
Advice for 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 welllit 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 highvisibility 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.
- "Daylight hours change quickly this time of year, and many of us are travelling during dimly lit hours," says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic. "It's important for both drivers and pedestrians to practice extra caution when using roadways to ensure everyone's safety."
