Surrey RCMP launches campaign against jaywalkers

SURREY — Surrey Mounties have launched a “Just Don’t Jaywalk” pedestrian safety campaign aimed at saving lives.

In 2013, nearly half of Surrey’s traffic fatalities involved either a pedestrian or a cyclist, with the majority jaywalking (crossing a street on an uncontrolled stretch, not at a crosswalk or traffic light).

The two-month long campaign, which started March 1^st, will see police target areas of high risk for pedestrians. They’ll be handing out safety tip cars in English and Punjabi and also, when appropriate, some hefty fines running from $109 to $121 to jaywalkers,

“We are trying to change the casual attitude we see some pedestrians display toward jaywalking,” said Cpl. Bert Paquet. “When pedestrians don’t use crosswalks they are taking chances on our roadways. The extra minute it takes to find a safe intersection to cross the road might very well save your life.”

Karen Klein, a road safety co-coordinator for ICBC, reminds motorists and pedestrians to make eye contact.

“As a pedestrian, kept your full attention on what’s happening around you and always make eye contact with drivers,” she said. “In wet or dark conditions, make sure you’re visible to drivers by using reflective gear and always cross at designated crosswalks — never mid-block.

“Drivers also have a particular responsibility to keep pedestrians safe and should always be looking out for them — especially when visibility is poor, at intersections and transit stops.”

tzytaruk@thenownewspaper.com