Vulnerable road users, which includes pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists, is the traffic safety spotlight for the month of April.
Police forces, including the Weyburn Traffic Unit involving Weyburn Police Service and the RCMP, will be paying particular attention to vehicles not yielding to pedestrians, making unsafe lane changes around motorcycles, and driving without due care and attention around bicycles and motorcycles.
Police will also be watching for motorcyclists not wearing the proper gear, bicyclists not following the rules of the road, and jaywalking pedestrians.
“Now that spring is here, please be on the lookout for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists and be cautious and courteous as you share the road,” said Earl Cameron, Vice President of the Auto Fund.
“For those vulnerable road users, remember that your smaller size makes you harder for vehicles to see, so walk and ride with care.”
Vulnerable road users – motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians – are at a higher risk of injury in a collision than people in passenger vehicles (due to the lack of occupant protection).
In 2014, 18 pedestrians, two bicyclists and three motorcyclists were killed in collisions in Saskatchewan, and 593 more were injured.
Drivers have to share the road with people who drive a variety of vehicles. The more you know about the particular driving requirements of different vehicles, the better equipped you’ll be to share the road and predict the actions of other drivers. SGI recommends drivers and vulnerable road users follow these tips to help everyone stay safe when sharing the road:
• Stay alert. Ride, bike and walk with caution.
• Walk on sidewalks, cross at marked crosswalks and obey walk/don’t walk signals. Make eye contact with the driver before crossing.
• Be visible. Wear bright, reflective clothing so others can see you.
• Always wear a helmet and any required gear.
• Drivers should be alert for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists and share the road.
• Drivers should look, then look again to make sure it’s safe to go.
Residents can follow SGI on Facebook and Twitter for tips on how #wecandrivebetter.
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is the province’s self-sustaining auto insurance fund.
