Truemors
Opinion
Barry Artiste, Now Public Contributor
Perhaps with crime and murders in the forefront, maybe Vancouver Police need some better direction.
If Vancouver Police are serious and feel Jaywalkers are a going concern, may I direct them to UBC Campus where Vancouver Police can quadruple their "fines" budget to rival a small third world country just on UBC Students in jaywalking fines.
UBC students, our future leaders of tomorrow seem oblivious to sidewalks, perhaps see them as a nuisance as they stroll and sometimes just standing there chatting in large groups in the centre lane of Campus streets by the hundreds, if not thousands of students wearing their Ipods while cars try to avoid hitting them, with students giving only a cursory glance.
Campus Security and RCMP who patrol the Campus most likely do not know what a jaywalking offence is much less what a form looks like, as I have never seen one jaywalking ticket issued.
Ah to be young, apparently immortal and live in a Country known for it's Free Hospitalization Plan.
Vancouver police are being especially vigilant this month in targeting jaywalkers because November is one of the most dangerous periods for pedestrian injury and death.Vancouver police are teaming up with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) to ask people to cross the street using traffic lights and to be aware road conditions.
"The barriers [and] the lines offer no protection to you," said Sgt. Ralph Pauw of Vancouver Police Department's traffic section.
"Be safe, be seen [and] wear bright clothing," he said. "One of the most important things is to make eye contact with the driver to make sure he sees you."
Safety teams were out on the streets Friday handing out bright, reflective badges, and trying to get the message out.
ICBC is offering a few driving tips when the clocks are turned back to standard time, which takes effect on Sunday:
* Be extra vigilant as reduced light conditions can make it more difficult to see pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
* Use your headlights at all times to ensure you are visible to pedestrians and other vehicles.
* To avoid being blinded by the headlights of an approaching vehicle, look toward the right side of your lane until the approaching car passes.
Last year, 40 pedestrians were killed in the Lower Mainland and 1,800 people were injured, police figures show.
Pauw said pedestrians are competing with a wide range of distractions for drivers.
"IPods and cellphones and even televisions in the front seat of vehicles … none of these things are improving safety out there," he said.
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