Crosswalk Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers
Accidents involving pedestrians at crosswalks can have devastating consequences, and in Atlantic
Canada, these incidents are more common than many realize. According to a report by the Atlantic
Collaborative on Injury Prevention (ACIP), pedestrian injuries remain a significant cause of
hospitalizations and fatalities in the region.
To help protect both pedestrians and drivers, here are essential crosswalk safety guidelines,
reinforced by regional laws and recent case examples.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
1. Know Your Rights, but Stay Aware
Under Nova Scotia’s Motor Vehicle Act, pedestrians have the right of way at marked
crosswalks and unmarked crosswalks at intersections. However, when crossing
outside these areas, it is the pedestrian’s duty to yield to vehicles.
In 2022, a pedestrian accident in Charlottetown, PEI, highlighted the importance of
crossing at designated crosswalks after a driver failed to yield, resulting in serious
injuries for the pedestrian. Police urged pedestrians to stick to marked crosswalks for
better visibility and legal protection.
2. Stay Vigilant Even with Right of Way
Although laws grant pedestrians the right of way, not all drivers stop. In Halifax, for
example, crosswalk-related pedestrian accidents have increased over the past five
years, with many incidents attributed to distracted driving. Always make eye contact
and check both directions even when you have the right of way.
3. Avoid Distractions
Keeping your eyes up and removing headphones is essential. A 2023 New Brunswick
study revealed that distracted walking, often caused by mobile phone use, contributed
to 30% of pedestrian incidents in urban areas. Staying fully attentive can help you
notice vehicles that might be approaching too quickly or failing to yield.
4. Make Eye Contact with Drivers
Eye contact helps ensure that drivers are aware of your presence. In Nova Scotia and
other provinces, laws emphasize pedestrian caution even when crossing in designated
areas, highlighting that making eye contact can reduce the risk of accidents.
The Halifax Regional Municipality has implemented “Heads Up Halifax” campaigns to
remind pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers.
5. Activate Crosswalk Lights Where Available
In many Atlantic Canadian cities, crosswalks are equipped with flashing lights to signal
pedestrian presence. Push the button to activate these lights before stepping into the
street, especially at night.
A recent study by the City of Moncton found that crosswalk lights reduce the risk of
pedestrian accidents by nearly 40% in high-traffic areas.
Driver Safety Tips
1. Recognize Every Intersection as a Crosswalk
In New Brunswick, all intersections, even if unmarked, are considered crosswalks. This
means drivers are legally required to yield to pedestrians at every intersection.
In 2023, Saint John saw a rise in pedestrian accidents at unmarked intersections,
primarily due to drivers overlooking unmarked crosswalks.
2. Yield Right of Way to Pedestrians
It is mandatory across Atlantic Canada to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. In Prince
Edward Island, failure to yield can result in fines and demerit points.
This was reinforced by a 2021 PEI incident where a driver who didn’t yield at a crosswalk
faced legal consequences after causing significant injuries to a pedestrian.
3. Constantly Scan for Pedestrians
With increasing reports of pedestrian accidents in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick,
drivers are encouraged to actively scan sidewalks and curbs as they approach
crosswalks.
Studies from the Atlantic Collaborative on Injury Prevention indicate that drivers who
engage in “active scanning” at intersections have quicker response times, reducing the
likelihood of collisions.
4. Avoid Parking Too Close to Crosswalks
Avoid parking within five meters of a crosswalk, a legal requirement in several Atlantic
provinces. Parking too close obscures pedestrians from view, increasing the risk of an
accident.
Halifax Regional Police have reported an increase in tickets for this violation, aiming to
improve visibility and pedestrian safety near intersections.
5. Wait Until the Pedestrian Has Fully Crossed
In Nova Scotia, drivers are required to wait until a pedestrian has fully cleared their lane
before advancing. Waiting ensures the pedestrian is safely out of the vehicle’s path, and
it is especially critical in school zones and busy urban areas like Fredericton’s
downtown core, where pedestrian traffic is high.
Shared Responsibility for Crosswalk Safety
In Atlantic Canada, pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. While pedestrians must remain
cautious and avoid unexpected movements, drivers are also tasked with remaining vigilant and
obeying the right-of-way laws. By following these guidelines, drivers and pedestrians alike can help
reduce the incidence of crosswalk-related accidents and create safer streets for all.
Helping Injured Clients
For over 35 years, CLG Injury Lawyers have helped thousands of injured clients. We fight for your rights to receive the maximum compensation you deserve. Providing you the Peace of Mind to focus on your Road to Recovery. Our experienced personal injury lawyers offer a free, no obligation case evaluation.
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