Working Draft for:
Preeceville's Main Street with the Mayor Garth Harris for Thursday Jan 12th, 2017 8:35 am
With GX94's Craig Wallebeck > see him @ http://www.gx94radio.com/craig-Wallebeck
This week we focus on: Winter Pedestrian Safety
"Pedestrian traffic is a common sight year-round, even on snowy days when the mercury dips and the wind howls. As a driver, it's important that you stay alert to help ensure everyone arrives at their destination safely.
Sadly, failing to watch for foot traffic - even for a moment - can have tragic consequences. On average in Saskatchewan, 3 people are killed and nearly 100 are injured each year in wintertime pedestrian collisions.
As a driver:
Pedestrian and vehicle collisions can be avoided by following a few simple tips:
-Match your speed to the road conditions, even if it means driving slower than the posted speed limit. That way you can maintain control of your vehicle and have ample time to stop.
- Constantly scan the road for potential dangers. Be especially cautious when blowing snow or heavy plumes of exhaust impair your vision.
- Be vigilant. The biting cold forces pedestrians to bundle up with toques and scarves, which narrows their peripheral vision. They might not see your vehicle until it's too late, so it's crucial that you stay alert.
- When you do stop for pedestrians, understand that it takes time to cross icy streets safely. Give pedestrians the time and space they need, and don't proceed until they've completely cleared the road.
As a pedestrian
Pedestrians must take ownership over their own well being by following basic safety rules:
- Stay on sidewalks whenever possible because they offer protection from vehicles. If you must walk on the road, travel on the shoulder of the left lane, facing oncoming traffic.
- Before crossing the street, you must look left, then right and then left again to see any oncoming traffic. Give drivers enough time to stop in icy conditions and, when the road is clear, proceed as quickly as is practical to minimize your time on the road.
- If possible, always try to cross the street at an intersection. Crossing in the middle of the road, or jaywalking, is extremely dangerous because drivers don't expect to see you there. This is particularly true when snow is piled high on curbs and medians.
Children at play:
- Snow piled high on curbs and medians is dangerous for kids. Children should never climb these mounds because they risk tumbling onto the road, giving motorists little or no time to react.
- As a driver, you need to be cautious if you see kids playing near the road. By slowing down and staying alert, you'll help everyone make it safely into spring"
https://www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/safety/training/driveright/winterpedestrians.html
"Walking is a fun and healthy activity that allows you to enjoy all your community has to offer. But as a pedestrian, you must be aware of the potential dangers of sharing the road with drivers who may not always see you.
In 2012, more than 330 people in Saskatchewan were injured and 18 were killed in pedestrian collisions with nearly 52% occurring at intersections. The causes of these collisions were varied but nearly 60% of them took place at intersections.
With these statistics in mind, it's time to revisit the do's and don'ts of pedestrian safety.
Defining a pedestrian
A pedestrian is a person who travels by foot, though people who use wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs and medical scooters as a means of mobility are also included.
Though they usually use sidewalks and pathways, drivers must always keep a watchful eye for pedestrians because these routes often intersect streets.
A driver's responsibilities to pedestrians:
- As a safe driver you play a critical role in the safety of other road users, including pedestrians.
- When approaching an intersection, you must yield the right of way to any pedestrians crossing the street. Even if the pedestrian is coming from a street with a yield sign or stop sign, they still have the right of way.
- You must always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, which can be anything from imaginary extensions of the sidewalk to painted markings on the road with safety lights. You must stop before the crosswalk and remain there until all pedestrians are safely across the road.
- The only exception to this rule is divided streets - you may proceed once pedestrians make it to the median at the centre of the road.
- Be alert when travelling in school zones because young children sometimes don't pay attention to oncoming vehicles. Be on the lookout for crossing guards and always obey all pedestrian signs and lights.
- Never pass another vehicle when it is stopped for pedestrians. You will have little time to react if someone crosses into your lane and the consequences of such a collision can be tragic.
- Be especially mindful of pedestrians when turning. Drivers often turn their heads to look for other vehicles and inadvertently ignore pedestrians crossing in front of them.
A pedestrian's responsibilities:
- Whenever possible, stay on sidewalks and pathways because these routes offer protection from vehicles. If you must walk on the road, travel on the shoulder of the left lane, facing oncoming traffic.
- Before crossing the street it is important to look left, then right and then left again to see any oncoming traffic. When the road is clear, proceed quickly in order to minimize your time on the road.
- Always try to cross the street at an intersection. Crossing in the middle of the road, or jaywalking, is extremely dangerous because drivers don't expect to see you there.
- Stay safe by obeying the Walk and Don't Walk signals at intersections. A blinking Don't Walk signal, usually indicated by an orange hand, means the traffic light is about to change. Wait on the sidewalk until the next cycle of lights and proceed when the white pedestrian symbol appears.
- Always be mindful of turning vehicles. Your legal right to cross the street doesn't mean that a driver automatically sees you. If possible, make eye contact with a driver before proceeding.
- Just like drivers, pedestrians are often distracted by technology. Remove headphones and avoid talking on cellphones when crossing the street. With your full attention you will be able to respond to hazards and avoid collisions with vehicles.
-At night, increase your visibility by carrying a flashlight and wearing bright and reflective clothing"
https://www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/safety/training/driveright/pedestrians.html
Contact
sgiinquiries@sgi.sk.ca
Assets / Links
Read newspaper column (pdf, 204 kb)
"The decision to get behind the wheel after drinking may be 1 of the costliest choices you'll ever make" Know the consequences! https://www.sgi.sk.ca/individuals/safety/drugs/consequences.html
Events:
- Jan 19th - Hazel Dell Ukrainian New Year "Malanka" Music by "Old Country Lads" Supper and Dance $25.00 person. Supper 6:00pm / dance to follow. Call Elaine at 306-547-4284 or Russell at 306-547-4224
- Jan 20th - Scandinavian Supper - Danish, Norwegian and Swedish - sponsored by St. John's Lutheran Church. Tickets $25/per person - only 100 available. Available - Paul's Drugs, Country Lane, Donna at 547-2840, Agnes 547-3047. Proceeds to the Church addition. That starts at 6:00pm Club 60
- Feb 10th - Paint Nite - The Preeceville & District Health Action Committee will be hosting a Paint Nite - the latest craze. Enjoy an evening of appetizers, drinks and good company and take home your artistic creation. It's okay if you've never painted anything but your walls—there's no experience necessary and fun is our only requirement. Starts at 6:00 pm Preeceville Community Legion Hall
Contact Stacey Strykowski 306-547-3464 sjstrykowski@gmail.com
- April 21 - 22 Preeceville Annual Spring Expo - It's a Fair/Tradeshow. Runs - Friday, April 21 - 11 am - 8 pm, Saturday, April 22 - 10 am - 3 pm. Preeceville Skating Arena. Contact Welma 306-547-9422 wbartel@sasktel.net
- In 2017, Canada will mark the 150th Anniversary of Confederation. Preeceville Celebration will be August 4th, 5th and 6th, 2017. Watch for details as they become available.
- And as always if you wish to have an event promoted visit and post it to our Community Events Calendar at www.townofPreeceville.ca
- CANADA 150 CELEBRATION - PREECEVILLE Strong, Proud and Free
In 2017, Canada will mark the 150th Anniversary of Confederation. Preeceville Celebration will be August 4th, 5th and 6th, 2017. Watch for details as they become available.
Canada’s 150th website: http://canada.pch.gc.ca/eng/1342792785740/1342793251811
Follow the Mayor on the town site at http://www.townofpreeceville.ca/default.aspx?page=65&cid=6 follow me on blogspot at http://mayorharris.blogspot.ca/
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