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Broadcast time: 8:45am |
Date: January 18, 2017 |
The Lambton Safe Roads Committee in cooperation with Sarnia Transit will be promoting cyclist and pedestrian safety through visibility tomorrow evening.
On Thursday, January 19, 2017, members of The Lambton Safe Roads Committee will be distributing retro-reflective winter toques and arm bands to pedestrians riding city buses. Anyone riding Sarnia Transit bus routes 1, 4, 9, & 14 between 4:30pm – 6:30pm will be offered these highly retro-reflective clothing items to ensure visibility when walking or cycling at night or in low light conditions. Any leftover items will continue to be distributed to the public by Sarnia Transit bus drivers.
Staying physically active during winter is important, but so is being visible with retro-reflective clothing or flashing lights. According to the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, January accounts for the highest number of pedestrian-related road fatalities. When cycling or walking in low light conditions, keep yourself safe by following these practices:
- Wear something retro-reflective and visible from front to back. Retro-reflective materials are up to 1500 times brighter than white and give drivers more time to see you.
- When cycling, place retro-reflective material on your bicycle. Use white front lights and rear red lights 30 minutes before dusk and 30 minutes after dawn. The fine for improper lighting is $110.
- Use extra care at intersections and driveways. Make eye contact with drivers before entering the roadway. Avoid crossing at mid-block where you are less likely to be seen.
- Use extra care between noon and 5pm when traffic is heavier, and collision risk increases.
- Only use electronic devices when you are safely stopped. Pay attention to your surroundings and to what drivers are doing, it could save your life.
For more information on pedestrian visibility visit www.lambtonhealth.on.ca or www.mto.gov.on.ca
Below is a picture of the retro-reflective winter toques and arm bands being distributed tomorrow by The Lambton Safe Roads Committee.
Constable Nelson Amaral
Community Services Branch
Tel: 519-344-8861 Ext 6137
Email: namaral@police.sarnia.on.ca