By Aaron Mahoney (@Mahones93 on Twitter)

Alberta RCMP leading annual Operation Impact awareness campaign

Oct 7, 2018 | 10:45 AM

ALBERTA – This October, the Alberta RCMP want to remind everyone who uses the road that pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility between drivers and pedestrians.

Police forces across Canada are geared up this Thanksgiving long weekend for the annual #OperationImpact awareness campaign, organized by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

The goal of the campaign is to encourage safe driving behaviours, and it supports Canada’s Road Safety Strategy 2025‘s goal to make Canada’s roads the safest in the world.

“We remind motorists and pedestrians to always share the road,” Alberta Sheriffs Supt. Rick Gardner said. “This Thanksgiving, respect the rules of the road, don’t drive if you’re tired, and watch for wildlife along the roadsides.”

Pedestrians are some of the most vulnerable road users in Alberta. 

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In 2016, half of the drivers involved in pedestrian casualty collisions failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian according to Alberta Transportation. 

In October 2017, there were 17 pedestrian collisions, including one fatality and 14 injuries, in Alberta RCMP jurisdiction.

Alberta RCMP Supt. Gary Graham says we should work together to eliminate behaviours that put drivers, passengers and pedestrians at risk, such as being distracted, impaired or fatigued.

“#OperationImpact will help Canadians stay safe on our roads.”

RCMP shared the following traffic tips to help both drivers and pedestrians share the road safely.

Pedestrians:
–    Make eye contact with drivers. Ensure stopped and approaching vehicles see you before you cross in front of them. Never assume that a driver will give you the right of way.
–    Make sure to be visible to drivers at all times. Wear a reflective armband or clothing with reflective strips in the dim early morning hours or on dark evenings.
–    Know and follow all traffic rules, signs and signals.
–    Use crosswalks when crossing the street. Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. 
–    Don’t be distracted. Listening to loud music or texting while walking is dangerous.
Drivers:
–    Keep a careful eye out for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
–    Follow the posted speed limits at all times.
–    Ensure that your vehicle lights are on and clean and that your signal lights work properly.
–    Do not drive impaired by alcohol or drugs.
–    Fatigue is also a form of impairment. Include rest stops and pull over if you’re tired.
–    Be prepared to react to wildlife along the roadsides, especially in the early evening and morning hours.