By Glen Greenhill
In 2015/2016, BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) responded to more than 30,000 traffic incidents throughout the province. Right here in the Comox Valley, we’ve seen quite a few motor vehicle incidents in the last few weeks. We all play a part in ensuring the roads in our community are safe for everyone.
Particularly at this time of year, when so much of our days are spent in darkness, there are ways we can all contribute to make the streets safer.
Whether you’re a pedestrian or a motorist, please keep these tips in mind to help us all stay safe.
For pedestrians:
• Be visible – wear reflective clothing.
• Be sidelined – use sidewalks where available or walk facing traffic.
• Be predictable – stay off highways, use crosswalks, be careful walking around hedges, parked cars and buses.
• Be alert – don’t wear headphones or talk or text on a cellphone when crossing intersections.
• Be defensive – make eye contact with drivers – don’t assume you’ve been seen even in a crosswalk.
For motorists:
• Be cautious – drive slowly, especially around crosswalks, shoulder check when turning right just to be sure no one is walking.
• Be a leader – yield for pedestrians and give other drivers time to stop as well.
• Be attentive – particularly around schools and neighbourhoods where children and residents are active.
• Be smart – never pass or overtake a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
If you are injured (and able to), or witness someone else sustain an injury from a motor vehicle incident, please call 9-1-1 immediately. All calls requesting emergency medical assistance are answered by emergency medical dispatchers. Please answer all the dispatcher’s questions to the best of your ability. This will help ensure the emergency responders get to the scene as quickly as possible with the right equipment to help those in need.
Glen Greenhill is the BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) District Manager for the Comox-Strathcona area.