My Journey With Health And Fitness – Conversations About Pedestrian Safety
I seriously messed up this morning. Somehow I had set my alarm for 4:45am instead of 3:45am. There is no way getting up at 4:45am gives me enough time to get ready, have breakfast then make it to my fitness class on time. On top of that I am one of these people that have a whole routine of things they like to do before heading out for the day. Not doing them leaves me quite stressed. And so I decided the best course of action would be to cancel the class and well, go back to bed. Not that I slept, I just laid there cuddling the dog.
I’ve had 2 interesting conversations the past couple days regarding pedestrian safety in our city, Sunday and yesterday but both with similiar comments. Yesterday I was standing at the bus stop with my husband, sister and a neighbour who just happened to be waiting for the same bus. My family likes to go out for lunch on Sundays and since we know we will enjoy some drinks we always take the bus. An older gentleman in an SUV stopped and started talking to us about the importance of wearing hi-vis if we are out even during the day (it was actually a very sunny day). He said the staff at our local hospital is warning people of how important this is as they have seen a really significant uptick in the number of pedestrian vs vehicle injuries. He showed us his hi-vis vest and we politely thanked him.
Yesterway was my weekly walk with a seniors’ group that I lead. Again it was a nice, sunny day with full visibility. I was wearing my favourite hoodie which is a very bright pink and would be hard to miss. After I left the group I continued to walk home along my normal route. I got to a crosswalk at which I stood in clear view of traffic and not one but three cars drove at full speed through that crosswalk. When I did the what the hell should shrug to the last one, the driver actually waived at me clearly inidicating he saw me. You have got to be kidding.
A while later when I was about 1/2 way home I hear someone shout out to me. Again, older gentleman who commented on how he liked my bright coloured hoodie. He told me the same story that I had heard yesterday, at the hospital they are recommending bright clothing and hi-vis when walking anytime during the day because of the number of pedestrian injuries. I told him about my hi-vis vest that has flashing lights that I use when it is not full daylight. I also told him what I had just experienced earlier at the crosswalk and he had choice words to say about those drivers. He told me to stay safe and remember bright clothing.
When 2 random strangers tell you the same story you start to realize it is likely true. It really does sadden me. Drivers need to focus on a single task, driving safely. They also need to take caution at every crosswalk. That vehicle you are driving could be a deathtrap if you hit a pedestrian. For pedestrians out there, you need to do your part as well. Want to dress all in black, well then put on something reflective. If it dark out, don’t just wear reflective gear, find something that has a light on it (I actually have a togue with a headlamp as well as my flashy vest). Always be proactive and assume that vehicle coming towards you is not going to stop even if you are at a controlled crosswalk.
I wish I didn’t have to keep repeating this message but apparently I do. I have even gone so far as to speak with both our local RCMP and local Community Police group. I wish drivers would realize those few extra seconds they gain by not stopping for pedestrians is really not worth the repercussions if they were to hit them.
Everyone, be aware and stay safe.
