According to police statistics, pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable road users in Alberta.   

On this Thanksgiving weekend, and throughout the month of October, the Alberta RCMP wants to remind everyone on the roads that keeping pedestrians safe is a shared responsibility between pedestrians and the motorists around them.

During Thanksgiving 2018, police forces from across the country are gearing up for the annual #OperationImpact awareness campaign, organized by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) to encourage safe driving behaviours.  The campaign supports Canada's Road Safety Strategy 2025 that has a goal to make Canada's roads the safest in the world.

The RCMP say in 2016, half of the drivers that were involved in pedestrian fatality collisions failed to yield the right of way to those pedestrians.  Last October, 17 pedestrian collision in Alberta resulted in 14 injuries and one death.

In order to help both pedestrians and motorists share the road, the RCMP are issuing some safety tips for each party.

For Pedestrians:

  • Make eye contact with drivers.  Ensure stopped and approaching vehicles see you before you cross in front of them.  Never assume a driver will give you the right of way.
  • Make sure to be visible to drivers at all times.  Wear a reflective armband or clothing with reflective strips in the dim early morning hours or on dark evenings.
  • Know and follow all traffic rules, signs and signals.
  • Use crosswalks when crossing the street.  Stay on sidewalks whenever possible.
  • Don't be distracted.  Listening to loud music or texting while walking in dangerous.

For Motorists:

  • Keep a careful eye out for cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians.
  • Follow the posted speed limits at all times.
  • Ensure that your vehicle lights are on and clean and that your signal lights are working properly
  • Do not drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs 
  • Fatigue is also a form of impairment.  Include rest stops and pull over if you're tired.  
  • Be prepared to react to wildlife along the roadsides, especially in the morning and early evening hours

Alberta RCMP Superintendent Gary Graham says, "We should work together to eliminate behaviours that put drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk, such as being distracted, impaired or fatigued.  #OperationImpact will help Canadians stay safe on our roads."

The partnership between the Provincial Sheriffs and the RCMP Integrated Traffic Units will make sure Albertans are making safe driving decisions this Thanksgiving.  

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