Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ICBC

This week ICBC and local police forces launched a pedestrian safety campaign to raise awareness as crashes with pedestrians spike at this time of year.

As the weather turns and daylight hours decrease between October and January, statistics show that pedestrian deaths almost double, according to an ICBC media release. 

Drivers are reminded to take extra time to look for pedestrians before turning, avoid distractions and be ready to yield.

"Even when drivers proceed with caution, it's hard to see pedestrians at this time of year when visibility is poor," ICBC's Lindsay Matthews says in the release. "Crashes with pedestrians are highest between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. every day, when most of us are commuting home from school and work. Please focus on the road and leave your phone alone. It's time we all do our part to create a safer driving culture in B.C."

Police are also cracking down on distracted driving.

"Distracted driving and failing to yield the right-of-way remain the top contributing factors for drivers in crashes involving pedestrians. These are dangerous driving behaviours which will not be tolerated by police," Chief Const. Neil Dubord says in the release.

Pedestrians are asked to stay safe by making eye contact, appearing as reflective as possible and to only use designated crosswalks.

ICBC and community policing volunteers will be handing out reflectors and safety tips in high pedestrian traffic areas across the province to help pedestrians stay visible.

This year's campaign features radio and online advertising that reminds drivers: "You see pedestrians when you really look for them."

Below is an infographic provided by ICBC with statistics from a five-year analysis of vehicle crashes involving pedestrians.

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