REGINA — If you’re looking at your phone, you won’t see the person on the bike, motorcycle, or e-scooter on the road in front of you or notice the child who just stepped into the crosswalk.
There, now that SGI has your attention, they can tell you that the focus of this month’s Traffic Safety Spotlight is on distracted drivers, as well as vulnerable road users.
“People will be out enjoying Saskatchewan’s beautiful summertime weather, which means drivers will be sharing the road with pedestrians, motorcycles, bicycles, and – in some communities – e-scooters,” said SGI President and CEO Penny McCune.
“When you’re driving a 5,000-lb pick-up truck – or any other vehicle – it’s important to keep your head up, your phone down and watch out for these vulnerable road users.”
Look, we understand that your phone keeps you informed about the latest TikTok trend, about what is happening in your friend’s group, and even what happened on the latest episode of “The Vanderpump Rules.” But while you’re driving, you need to be aware of what’s going on around you and who you’re sharing the road with.
Here are some other ways motorists can keep pedestrians safe:
- Yield the right of way to any pedestrians at crosswalks. Stop before the crosswalk and remain there until all pedestrians are safely across the road. (On 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’s stopped for pedestrians. You’ll 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.
Motorists can keep motorcyclists, cyclists and e-scooter riders safe by:
- Motorcycles, bicycles and e-scooters are smaller and harder to see than other vehicles. Always double-check to ensure a lane is clear before changing lanes.
- Remember that bicycles have a right to be on the road, and so do e-scooters, where permitted by a local municipality. They’re expected to follow the rules of the road, and drivers should treat them like slow-moving vehicles.
- Passing a cyclist or an e-scooter can be tricky, especially during times of heavy traffic. Some cyclists will move into the turning lane to allow motorists to go by, but if the lane is unavailable you must wait until it’s safe to pass.
- Keep a safe distance from people on bikes and e-scooters when you're waiting to move past them. Maintain a minimum three-second following distance behind motorcycles, just like you would any other vehicle.
- Drivers should look twice when making left-hand turns across traffic since there might be a motorcycle, bike or scooter hidden behind oncoming vehicles. Look, then look again, to make sure it’s safe before you go.
- At night, drive with caution and watch for neon clothing, reflectors and lights.
