Kamloops - The City of Kamloops; in partnership with the RCMP, ICBC, and Kamloops This Week, are continuing to build on the success of the Get Your Glow On! road safety campaign that launched earlier this spring.

Get Your Glow On! is aimed at educating and engaging all road users in their shared responsibility for road safety. In the spring, the program focused on the importance of getting all road users to increase awareness of their surroundings and eliminate distractions. Now, with the onset of darker days and a variety of weather conditions, the fall campaign is aimed at enhancing visibility.

“This great initiative is imperative to bringing attention to pedestrian and road safety. The message Be Visible, comes just in time for Halloween and the shorter days of winter,” said Kamloops Mayor Peter Milobar. “It also provides the opportunity for us to partner with our community stakeholders to present a strong, shared message.”

“Since our days are wetter and darker at this time of year, it’s important for drivers and pedestrians to focus their full attention on the road and make eye contact with each other whenever possible,” said Ingrid Brakop, ICBC local road safety coordinator. “As a pedestrian, you should wear reflective clothing or use reflective gear so that drivers can see you in all weather conditions. Always cross at crosswalks – never mid-block – and be extra cautious at intersections where drivers turning may not be looking for or see pedestrians in the crosswalk.”

Sergeant Scott Wilson with the Kamloops RCMP reminds pedestrians, "Help us help you by increasing your visibility, making it easier for motorists to see you. Be responsible when using smart phones or music devices and ensure you are paying attention to your immediate surroundings at all times.”

"Light up your fall and Hallowe'en outfits to avoid being lit up in the CT scanner on a Trauma stretcher. Remember, your road safety is in your own hands. Between the car and the pedestrian, the pedestrian never wins,” says Alan Vukusic, MD, Medical Trauma Director, Royal Inland Hospital.

As ambassadors for the program, Kamloops This Week paper carriers will be proudly wearing Get Your Glow On! reflectors while out on their routes. In addition, watch for Community Safety volunteers who will be handing out tip cards and reflective items to reinforce the safety message.

The visibility message is primarily aimed at those not in vehicles; however motorists also share responsibility for safety on the road.

Kamloops citizens are actively encouraged to wear the gear, practice the tips and spread the word about the importance of being seen. Be prepared for the unexpected!

Come on Kamloops, Get Your Glow On!

Be aware.
Take care.
Light up and be seen!

News from © iNFOnews, 2013