Highway Safety Division

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Pedestrian Safety

Walking is the most basic mode of transportation. It is good for your heart, it is an enjoyable exercise, and just about anyone can do it. There are, however, risks when an individual walks in an area where there are vehicles. City streets, parking lots, and just about any paved or unpaved roadway are certain hazard areas for pedestrians. As well, there are more senior pedestrians using the roadways, and that trend will only continue as Canada's population ages.

Pedestrians who use motorized wheelchairs must follow the same rules and guidelines as those who do not use motorized wheelchairs, as they are still classified as pedestrians under the Highway Traffic Act. Nothing has changed, just the way they get there.

General Guidelines

A pedestrian is a person on foot, a person in a wheelchair, or a child riding in a wagon or sleigh, which means that everyone who is not a motorist or a cyclist is a pedestrian.

Hundreds of pedestrians are injured or killed every year because many do not know the rules of the road. In fact, many normal activities you may do may be considered unlawful. For example, no more than two persons shall walk abreast on the roadway when there is no sidewalk. Also, it is illegal to solicit a ride (hitchhike) or jaywalk.

Always use pedestrian lights if the intersection is equipped with them, but always check the intersection before stepping onto the crosswalk or roadway.

Make sure to count to three and look around, even if the light says it is your turn to cross the roadway.  If there are no pedestrian lights, wait until it is safe to cross.  Always keep your head up and make eye contact with motorists.

An important thing to remember is to watch for drivers making unexpected moves, assume drivers cannot see you.  Make yourself visible by wearing retro-reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight at night.  Also, you may want to consider if your pet is visible.

Other Pedestrian Rules and Guidelines

• Always cross at intersections and keep within the crosswalk. Crossing between intersections is a hazardous practice. If you must cross between intersections, first yield right-of-way to all vehicles.


• Never walk into the roadway from behind parked vehicles or from the rear of a stopped bus. If the driver cannot see you, he or she cannot avoid you.


• Always look for turning vehicles before trying to cross the roadway.


• Teach your children never to play on or near the roadway, and always use crosswalks.


• At night, wear white, light coloured or retro-reflective material clothing. In snow conditions, it is advisable to wear some dark clothing.


• On the highways, always walk on the left, facing traffic, so that you can see approaching motorists.


• New crosswalks have audible signals, in addition to the light signaling pedestrians that it is safe to cross the road. This is for the visually-impaired pedestrians.


• At a traffic light, cross at the beginning of a green light. Do not cross once the light has turned to yellow. Never cross on a red light.

An Aging Reality

Older pedestrians are at a higher risk of falling or being hit by a vehicle because mobility and perception deteriorate as part of the aging process. An injury can be more serious and the recovery can take longer than with younger pedestrians. However, the benefits of exercise, independence, and social activities associated with walking outweigh the risks. As Canada's population ages, more seniors will need to know how they can travel on roadways safely and carefully.

The Road to Safety

• Wear comfortable, well-fitting walking shoes with firm soles.


• Use a cane for extra balance.


• Look out for all vehicles including bicycles and motorcycles.


• Watch out for hazards. Sidewalks can have cracks, and there can be high curbs.


• Avoid walking at rush hour, after dark, or, in the winter, before ice and snow have been cleared.


• Cross the street only at a crosswalk or intersection.


• Give yourself plenty of time. Plan your trip so you do not have to hurry. Never try to beat the traffic/light.

Motorized Wheelchairs

On PEI, motorized wheelchairs are not considered motor vehicles. They do not need to be registered, or need a licence to operate.

A motorized wheelchair is a great help to the people who use one. They are quick, and usually very reliable; however, a person must realize that they can be bulky machines that in some circumstances, could be a safety hazard.

There are some very important rules of which an operator of a motorized wheelchair should be aware. These rules are not only useful, they could prevent injury and could also save a life.

• Like all pedestrians, the sidewalk should always be the first choice for anyone traveling in a motorized vehicle.


• Obey all traffic signals.


• Refrain from using alcohol or drugs when operating a motorized wheelchair.


• If there are no sidewalks, travel as close as possible to the curb, on the left side of the road facing traffic.


• Motorized wheelchairs should have a brightly coloured flag attached. They allow you to be more visible to motorists.


• Never block or cut off any vehicle, or any other pedestrian when crossing the street or traveling on the sidewalk.


• Always travel at a comfortable, safe speed.


• Avoid congested areas where possible. Where there are a lot of walkers or objects, manoeuverability is greatly reduced.


• Choose a safe route. Avoid rough terrain and soft surfaces such as gravel, sand and thick grass.


• Avoid bumps, holes, etc., on the road surface. It may cause you to turn over, get thrown from the wheelchair, or severely damage the equipment.


• Always use crosswalks or cross at an intersection.

If these guidelines are followed, the roadway will be a much safer place for pedestrians in motorized wheelchairs and motorists alike.

A pedestrian, whether or not they are using a wheelchair, should always wear bright clothing, especially at night. No matter how small this detail may seem, it is one of the most important items to remember. If a motorist cannot see you, how can they act accordingly?

Retro-reflective Material

What is Retro-reflective Material?

Think of it as tiny mirrors. When a light source is projected on to the mirrors, light is returned back to the light source. Thus, the term retro-reflective is given to this effect. To test out the maximum effect of this technology, view it from directly behind the light source, especially when the light is projected near your eyes.

Benefit of Reflective Material in Traffic

The benefit of this technology when working, walking, or biking along the flow of traffic is that is allows pedestrians to be detected at a much greater distance than if no reflective material is worn, especially at dawn or dusk. The increased distances translate into increased time for motorists to recognize a pedestrian, respond, and make appropriate manoeuvres to avoid a collision. In some cases, retro-reflective materials can be 1,500 times brighter than ordinary white clothing.

Comparing Visibility With and Without Reflective Material

The manufacturers of the most common retro-reflective materials have done extensive testing comparing visibility with and without reflective material. Detection time for a motorist is enhanced 30 times when comparing a pedestrian wearing reflective striping and light colours versus no reflective and dark clothes. Also, detection time is enhanced eight to nine times if a pedestrian is wearing reflective striping and light colours versus a white shirt and no reflective material.

How Can I "Light Up" the Night?

Most running shoe companies have some form of reflective material built into their shoes. As well, selective sporting companies incorporate reflective material into vests, jackets, coats, shirts, sweatshirts, and pants; however, not all manufacturers place priority in using these materials. Retro-reflective strips which can be used on clothing can be purchased at most hardware or sporting goods stores. Another good idea for improved nighttime visibility would be to wear a retro-reflective vest like those worn by highway work-zone flaggers and construction workers.

Roundabouts

Rules for pedestrians are the same in a roundabout as they are at all other crosswalks on the road. But there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Signal your intention to cross by extending your arm.


• Crosswalks at modern roundabouts have two sections and, in some cases, two lanes to cross at each section. Pedestrians must ensure both lanes of traffic are yielding. Cross the first section to the splitter island, stop, make sure traffic is yielding to you, then cross the second section.


• Always try to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they acknowledge that you are going to cross and that they are yielding to you.