Basic crosswalk rules

Have you ever noticed those pedestrian-activated, flashing amber lights that are over the crosswalks in Picton? These lights are there to warn drivers that a crosswalk is in use. Be careful, folks, always to activate the button when using one of the crosswalks.

When a crosswalk light is flashing, drivers must come to an immediate full stop in all lanes. The amber warning lights are visible to drivers because they are above the street and the lights are supposed to reduce collision accidents.  There are also flashing lights partway down the poles upon which the lights above the street are suspended. 

Statistics Canada reports that, on average, more than 300 pedestrian fatalities occurred in Canada every year from 2018 to 2020. The rate of pedestrian deaths generally increased with age, and seniors aged 70 and older were the most at risk of a fatal pedestrian incident. A higher fatality rate among seniors may be linked to a decline in muscle strength, balance, reaction time, vision, and hearing. These vulnerabilities make it more difficult to see oncoming traffic, get around on foot quickly and judge distances correctly. As well, seniors are at higher risk of severe injuries or death when a collision occurs than younger pedestrians.

It makes sense for seniors to be particularly careful when crossing the street.

There are seven basic crosswalk rules:

1.            First, stop and look in both directions for a reasonable and safe gap in traffic flow;

2.            Then push the early warning system, if available;

3.            Look down the street in both directions to make sure all drivers have seen the flashing lights and are slowing down.

4.            Extend your arm and point in the direction you intend to walk across the crosswalk. Make eye contact with all drivers to be sure they are following your movements;

5.            Wait safely at the side of the road until traffic in the closest lane comes to a complete stop;

6.            Enter the crosswalk only when you are certain that traffic in the lanes in front of you has stopped completely;

7.            Proceed carefully into the crosswalk and wait for all traffic approaching in the opposite direction to stop. Then finish crossing the street.

All pedestrians and drivers share joint responsibility for crosswalk safety.  Drivers must stop and wait until the crosswalk is clear, then check both directions before proceeding. When drivers and pedestrians both use these basic safety rules, the risk of crosswalk injuries will be reduced.