Revealed – province where pedestrian fatalities double during fall and winter

The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC), together with the BC police, is launching a road safety campaign to help protect pedestrians this fall and winter.

According to the Crown insurer, pedestrian fatalities increase by an average of 54% in BC, between October and January. This is notable, as an average of 28 pedestrians are killed and 954 are injured in crashes between October and January, compared to 11 fatalities and 501 injuries between May and August.

It was also noted by the insurer that distracted driving and failing to yield the right-of-way are the top contributing factors for drivers in crashes with pedestrians. ICBC also found that 80% of crashes involving pedestrians occurred at intersections.

ICBC’s data is based on a five-year average from 2017 to 2021.

To counter this noticeable surge in pedestrian fatalities and injuries during the fall and winter months, ICBC is launching a new safety campaign which features online advertising that reminds drivers to be mindful of pedestrians. ICBC and community volunteers will also be handing out reflectors and safety tips to pedestrians in high-traffic areas across the province as part of the campaign.

“As weather conditions begin to shift and daylight hours decrease, drivers and pedestrians should use extra caution on the road,” said ICBC vice president of customer experience & public affairs Lindsay Matthews. “Crashes involving pedestrians are highest between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. every day when many of us are commuting home. Whether you’re a pedestrian or a driver, always remember to scan your surroundings and avoid distractions. It’s important we all do our part to keep our roads safe.”

Read more: ICBC kicks off two road safety initiatives

In September, ICBC launched two road safety initiatives to address the issue of distracted driving. The insurer had previously revealed that on average each year, five children are killed and 370 are injured in crashes while walking or cycling in BC.