Road safety is never on lockdown!

News
Published on June 1, 2020

With Quebec on the road to reopening, some of us are easing back into our usual routine. A lot of us are getting back behind the wheel for the first time since the snow has melted and realizing that there are more pedestrians and cyclists on the streets than ever. Let’s review good habits for road safety.

Plenty of businesses, attractions, restaurants, and borders are still closed. For the most part, people are staying in their own neighbourhoods to shop, relax, or get some exercise. Lighter traffic might cause motorists to drive at higher speeds, but because there are more pedestrians and cyclists out and about, they should actually be driving with the utmost caution.

“There’s room for everyone, and sharing the road only works if we are courteous, give each other space, and follow the rules, whether we are behind the wheel, pedaling, or on our own two feet,” said Marco Harrison, director of the CAA-Quebec Foundation. “Motorists have a duty to protect pedestrians and cyclists, but each person is responsible for their own safety,” he added.

Always remember these good habits:

Drivers

  • Avoid distractions—and that includes your onboard computer and cellphone. Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your accident risk, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).
  • Obey speed limits. They’re non-negotiable. Between 30 and 50 km/h, the likelihood of a vehicle versus pedestrian accident being fatal jumps from 10% to 75%, says Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec.
  • Give cyclists 1.5 m of clearance. In urban areas (50 km/h or less), that can be reduced to 1 m.
  • Don’t splash cyclists or pedestrians and be careful when opening the car door!

Pedestrians

  • Be visible, especially after sunset.
  • Cross at the crosswalk whenever you can, and wait for the walk signal.
  • Pay close attention to heavy vehicles. They have large blind spots.
  • Use the sidewalk and avoid roads that are not suitable for pedestrians.

Cyclists

  • Stop whenever there is a stop sign.
  • Ride at a reasonable speed.
  • Use hand signals.
  • Wear high-visibility clothing and make sure your bike has the proper lights and reflectors.
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Yield to pedestrians and do not ride on the sidewalk.

COVID-19 has changed how we use the roads. We need to adapt and remember that road safety isn’t on lockdown. As long as everyone follows the rules, we can all share the road and get through this together.