Squamish is following Scandinavia’s lead in adopting a simple program to save lives.
Last week, the District of Squamish announced its partnership with the local RCMP detachment and ICBC to launch the annual Be Bright @ Night campaign. The initiative aims to shed light on the importance of being visible while travelling in the dark.
Across B.C., approximately one in five people killed as a result of a vehicle accident is a pedestrian, according to ICBC statistics. Crashes involving pedestrians happen more often on Fridays between 3 to 6 p.m. And nearly one in four pedestrians injured from such incidents are between the ages of 16 to 25.
This is an important community issue, Squamish Mayor Rob Kirkham stated in a news release.
“Collectively, we can make a difference to create a culture of awareness around safety after dark,” he said. “It’s such a simple premise, but the consequences of inaction can be tragic.”
Through the campaign, free reflectors will be handed out at five locations in Squamish: the Squamish Public Library, the RCMP detachment, municipal hall, Brennan Park Recreation Centre and the Squamish Seniors’ Centre.
Scandinavian countries kicked off a similar program in the 1970s, making prismatic reflectors readily available to the public. Between 1970 and 2011, fatalities per 100,000 pedestrians dropped from an average of 19.5 to 4.1. It’s a success the Swedish Ministry of Motor Vehicles attributes to the reflector giveaway campaign.
Dark afternoons and poor weather impair visibility for drivers at this time of year, putting pedestrians and cyclists at some risk, Squamish Staff Sgt. Brain Cumming stated.
“The risk is significantly reduced if pedestrians and cyclists wear reflective clothing and/or display safety reflectors, and so we are pleased to partner in bringing awareness to this program,” he said.
