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Heads up! Phones Put Pedestrians at Increased Risk: Vernon RCMP
RCMP says distracted walking is raising crash risk as daylight fades, and reminds drivers to watch for pedestrians at intersections and crosswalks.
October is Pedestrian Safety Month, and the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP is reminding pedestrians and motorists that staying safe on roads is a shared responsibility.
Const Chris Terleski said, "More and more we're seeing people near traffic staring down at their phones," noting that Distraction adds another layer of risk to daily travel.
Looking down at cellphones while walking distracts from seeing approaching vehicles and traffic signals; Earbuds reduce awareness of traffic, making hazard recognition difficult even with right of way.
Pedestrians are advised to follow safety reminders: "Heads up, phones down: Put away devices and pay attention to your surroundings." Always look both ways and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
Drivers must Eliminate distractions, Scan intersections carefully, and Adjust speed for road conditions. For additional guidance, residents can visit the ICBC website for comprehensive pedestrian safety resources.