With the nice weather, potential road hazards begin to change from icy conditions to vulnerable users.
Often passenger vehicle collisions with motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians happen because car and truck drivers simply do not see them.
“Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists are called vulnerable road users because they are just that—vulnerable,” said Andrew Cartmell, president and CEO of SGI. “Compared to a car, they have little or no protection if they’re involved in a crash. That makes them more likely to be hurt or even killed, and that’s why it’s so important to be aware of them now that the weather is warming up and they are more prevalent on our roads.”
That is not to say drivers of passenger vehicles are solely responsible for road safety. Vulnerable road users frequently break the rules and do dangerous things that can take motorists off guard. In 2013, the last year for which statistics are available,14 pedestrians, six motorcyclists and two bicyclists were killed in collisions in Saskatchewan and 678 more were injured .
To raise awareness, SGI and law enforcement agencies in the province will be focusing their monthly traffic safety campaign on vulnerable road users throughout April.
Police will specifically be watching for pedestrians jaywalking; bicyclists not following the rules of the road; motorcyclists not wearing the proper gear; and vehicles not yielding to pedestrians, making unsafe lane changes around motorcycles, and driving without due care and attention around pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.
Cartmell had some quick tips for all road users.
“As a driver, scan the road ahead for pedestrians, look twice before turning, and keep a safe following distance between your vehicle and any bicycles or motorcycles in front of you,” said Cartmell. “As a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist, one of the most important things you can do is to be visible. Wear bright or reflective clothing so other road users can see you.”
The campaign has basically been summed up by two slogans. For passenger vehicle drivers, “look twice and save a life,” and for the others, “you’re not invincible, be visible.”
More tips are available at sgi.sk.ca.
