Inattentiveness is probably the largest contributor to pedestrian accidents, says the Lethbridge Police Service Traffic Response Unit’s Sgt. Danny Lomness.
Throughout March, LPS is working with Alberta Sheriffs to conduct a focused traffic project aimed at addressing pedestrian safety, especially around schools and playgrounds in Lethbridge.
Police have noticed increased issues relating to pedestrian safety as a result of both pedestrian and driver behaviour. The goal of the project is to educate pedestrians about safe crossing practices and increase enforcement to deter unsafe driving practices.
This week, officers were at Winston Churchill High School to promote the project.
“We’ve observed pedestrians, especially students, not being fully aware of their surroundings before crossing streets and not noticing oncoming vehicles, even in designated crosswalks. On the other hand, vehicles travelling through school and playground zones are often not as vigilant, as they should be. Speeding, distracted driving, blocking crosswalks and parking too closely to intersections are all prevalent problems in these areas, leading to unsafe conditions for children and other pedestrians,” notes Lomness.
Lomness says some of the big things officers see are vehicles blocking driveways and parking on crosswalks.
“We see a lot of people all over the city, not just kids, not using that crosswalk and they’re crossing in-between intersections. There’s a lot of vehicles parked on the streets throughout the city and when pedestrians are coming out onto the street in-between vehicles, sometimes it’s really hard to be seen, which poses a risk,” Lomness explains.
You’re encouraged to do your part by obeying traffic laws, eliminating distractions while driving or walking and using designated crosswalks.
Parents and guardians are also urged to talk to their children about safe pedestrian practices:
- Always use designated crosswalks when available and wait for a clear signal, if applicable.
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure you’re seen and acknowledged.
- Avoid distractions such as mobile phones or headphones when crossing the street.
- Look both ways, even when at a crosswalk, as some drivers may not stop or may be unaware of the pedestrian right-of-way.
(Photo by Stan Ashbee)
