The Lethbridge Poilce Service and Alberta Sheriffs are teaming up to promote pedestrian safety. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

LPS & Sheriffs project focusing on pedestrian safety

Mar 18, 2025 | 9:51 AM

A new traffic project in Lethbridge aims to improve the safety of pedestrians.

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) and the Alberta Sheriffs are teaming up to to provide education to pedestrians, especially students and their guardians, regarding safe crossing practices.

LPS says there has been a recent increase in issues related to pedestrian safety and that it is the fault of both pedestrians and drivers.

Education will also be given to drivers to deter speeding, distracted driving, blocking crosswalks and parking too closely to intersections

“Inattentiveness is probably the largest contributor to pedestrian accidents,” says Danny Lomness, the Sergeant in charge of the LPS Traffic Response Unit.

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He adds, “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 traveling through school and playground zones are often not as vigilant as they should be.”

The public is asked to do their part by obeying traffic laws, eliminating distractions while driving or walking, and using designated crosswalks.

Parents and guardians are urged to talk to their children about safe pedestrian practices, such as:

• Always using designated crosswalks when available and wait for a clear signal, if applicable
• Making eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure you are seen and acknowledged
• Avoiding distractions such as mobile phones or headphones when crossing the street
• Looking both ways, even when at a crosswalk, as some drivers may not stop or may be unaware of the pedestrian right-of-way

LPS says the project will persist through March.

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