Traffic safety for the fall season

BURNABY, BC, Oct. 18 /CNW/ - It has only been a few weeks since the end of summer, and already the days are getting shorter, skies are cloudier, temperatures chillier and the feeling of rain and snow is in the air.

While we are not quite into full winter weather, the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation says that there are many changes at this time of year that drivers and pedestrians need to be aware of, especially when it comes to Halloween and the end of Daylight Savings Time.

Halloween is one of a few nights when there is a higher than usual volume of pedestrians and drivers on the streets. Children aged 5 to 14 years are at the greatest risk for pedestrian-related fatalities, especially in areas with heavy traffic volumes and a high density of parked cars.

The presence of parents or caregivers can help reduce this risk. Drivers should also be patient and look for children darting out from between parked cars or rushing into intersections without looking.

A week after Halloween most communities in B.C. will turn their clocks back one hour when Daylight Savings Time comes to an end.  Time changes reflect a change in social clocks not biological ones and studies show that our circadian rhythms (body clocks) are not good at adjusting to time changes naturally.  We may feel like we've gained an extra hour of sleep, but by the end of the first Monday after the time change, we are feeling tired.  Fatigue can impair brain and body functions as much as alcohol does.

A groggy driver is a dangerous driver and groggy pedestrians can easily put themselves at risk. Studies indicate that the lack of daylight during the evening commute home often sees an increased number of traffic related deaths and serious injuries.

"Fall is the time of year when we experience changes in the weather that make road use more dangerous," says Allan Lamb, executive director of the BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation.  "Several factors come into play with traffic safety at this time of year. Traffic is heavier because more people choose to drive their cars in colder weather. The time change affects our ability to focus during the drive home commute. Winter clothing tends to be dark coloured and not easily seen during darker days.  Lower temperatures and less sun make road conditions slippery and wet forcing drivers to adjust their driving after several months of driving on dry roads."

The BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation offers some suggestions to help drivers and pedestrians stay safe -

For Drivers -

• Slow down - The faster you travel the longer it will take to stop.  Give yourself more time to react to a situation by driving 10 km slower and allow more time to reach your destination.
  
  
• Reduce speed in rain - Heavy rains after a prolonged dry spell tend to bring oil to the surface of the road and create large pools making roads slick and making vehicles susceptible to hydroplaning. 
  
  
• Stop - Come to a full stop at designated intersections then proceed slowly.
  
  
• Slippery road surfaces - Fallen leaves retain large amounts of water and can create a slippery surface that can be just as treacherous as patches of ice.  Drive slowly through them and avoid hard or panic braking.
  
  
• Turn your headlights on - most daytime-running light systems don't automatically illuminate the taillights.
  
  
• Windows - Wipe away snow or frost, defrost interior and change windshield wiper blades before their effectiveness is reduced.
  
  
• Watch for children - Reduce your speed in residential areas and around schools and parks.  Children often dart out from between parked cars or into intersections.
  
  
• Do not drive while impaired - Fatigue is a form of impairment - get plenty of sleep and if you've consumed alcohol or drugs, find alternate transportation such as a designated driver, taxi or transit.

For Pedestrians -

• Clothing - Wear light or reflective clothing to make you more visible in dark conditions.  Carrying a flashlight will also make you more visible and help you see your way in the dark.
  
  
• Intersections - Always cross at a designated intersection, looking both ways and make sure drivers see you before you cross. Never step out from between parked cars.
  
  
• Plan the walking portion of your commute along well-lit streets.
  
  
• If there is no sidewalk, always walk facing traffic and as far off the road as possible.
  
  
• Halloween
• Children wear light or reflective costumes that are easy to move in and don't cause tripping, and use face paint instead of wearing a mask. 
• Parents make sure the "loot route" is planned along well-lit streets
  
• Parents accompany children and make sure the group travels together.
• Parents review the "rules of the road" before starting out.

About BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation

The BCAA Traffic Safety Foundation is a non-profit registered charity working with families, communities and business partners to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes and injuries in B.C. For more information visit www.BCAATSF.ca or call 604-298-5107.

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www.BCAATSF.ca

URL for this media release is: http://www.tsfbcaa.com/content/custompages/news.aspx

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