Pedestrian Fatalities Still a Concern on BC Roads

Drivers need to be watchful for pedestrians when driving around Vancouver and British Columbia, especially during the winter months. Slick roads and poor visibility make it harder for drivers to maneuver and stop safely, putting pedestrians at increased risk of injury.

Why Are Pedestrians More Prone to Road Fatalities Than Motorists?

Pedestrians are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in an accident for one simple reason: Cars are much larger and heavier than people. Even a relatively small passenger car weighs about 2,000 pounds or more. This means that vehicles are hit with tremendous force in a collision, even at low speeds. Because pedestrians have nothing to protect them in the event of a crash, they are the ones who typically suffer severe or possibly fatal injuries.

What Percentage of Fatal Accidents Involve Pedestrians?

Data from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) show that 249 people died in car accidents across the province in one recent year. Of those 249 fatalities, 35 were pedestrians ― 14 percent of all traffic deaths for that year.

Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Vancouver

The Vancouver Sun analyzed police crash data over several years to identify where pedestrian accidents are most common in the Vancouver metro area. According to the Sun’s findings, the most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in the Vancouver metro area are:

• Downtown Vancouver —Main and Hastings Streets
• North Vancouver — Capilano Street and Marine Drive
• Port Coquitlam — Lougheed Highway and Westwood Street
• Coquitlam — Lougheed Highway and North Road
• Burnaby — Boundary and Kingsway Streets
• New Westminster — Boyd and Howes Streets
• Richmond — No. 3 Road and Granville Avenue
• Surrey — 104th Avenue and King George Boulevard
• Delta — 120th Street and 72nd Avenue

Tips for Drivers

If you’re driving in Vancouver, here are some tips to follow to minimize your chances of hitting a pedestrian:

• Focus on the road by putting away potential distractions, like your phone.
• Yield to pedestrians when you’re approaching intersections or transit stops.
• Be patient at stops. A vehicle ahead may be waiting for a pedestrian to cross.
• Slow down in winter weather. Slippery roads and falling snow can make it difficult to stop and decrease visibility.
• Watch for pedestrians crossing the street outside of a crosswalk or intersection.
• Take extra care to watch for pedestrians at night.

Tips for Pedestrians

• Be vigilant at intersections and crosswalks. Don’t cross the street unless you’re sure drivers see you.
• Do not cross the street outside of crosswalks and intersections, if possible.
• Always obey traffic signals and posted pedestrian signs.
• Don’t walk while distracted. Take your headphones off and put your phone away while crossing the street.
• Wear reflective clothing at night to make it easier for drivers to see you.

Talk to a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer in Vancouver, BC

Were you injured while walking in BC? Contact Warnett Hallen LLP for a free consultation with a Vancouver pedestrian accident lawyer. Call or contact us now.