New Westminster Police Traffic Section officers and, patrol officers will be increasing their enforcement in school zones for the start of school next week. We ask everyone to be vigilant with roadside safety. We ask motorists to please increase their defensive driving habits when it comes to pedestrian safety. Extra care in school zones, intersections and marked crosswalks are the hallmark of all good, defensive drivers.
We ask pedestrians to please keep in mind that motorists may have difficulties in seeing them, particularly if it is dark, raining, or overcast. Be aware of wearing dark clothing and how it will affect a pedestrian’s visibility to motorists. Pedestrians do have the right of way at intersections and crosswalks however; pedestrians should make eye contact with motorist’s to confirm that they do indeed see them. Walk when the signal allows, Do NOT ‘jaywalk’.
Our police school liaison officers, in conjunction with school safety programs, instruct children on bicycle and pedestrian safety however, parents reaffirming this safety message to their children can go a long way in making safety priority number one.