Police conducting targeted enforcement project to address pedestrian safety

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is working with Alberta Sheriffs to conduct a focused traffic project aimed at addressing pedestrian safety, especially around schools and playgrounds in Lethbridge.

Police have noticed increased issues relating to pedestrian safety as a result of both pedestrian and driver behaviour. The goal of the project is to provide education to pedestrians, particularly students and their guardians, regarding safe crossing practices, as well as enforcement to deter unsafe driving practices such as speeding, distracting driving, unsafe U-turns and failing to yield to pedestrians.

“Inattentiveness is probably the largest contributor to pedestrian accidents,” says Danny Lomness, the Sergeant in charge of the LPS Traffic Response Unit. “We’ve observed pedestrians, especially students, not being fully aware of their surroundings before crossing streets and not noticing oncoming vehicles, even in designated crosswalks. On the other hand, vehicles traveling through school and playground zones are often not as vigilant as they should be.  Speeding, distracted driving, blocking crosswalks and parking too closely to intersections are all prevalent problems in these areas, leading to unsafe conditions for children and other pedestrians.”

The project will continue throughout the month of March. Members of the public are encouraged to do their part by obeying traffic laws, eliminating distractions while driving or walking, and using designated crosswalks. Parents and guardians are also urged to talk to their children about safe pedestrian practices:

• Always use designated crosswalks when available and wait for a clear signal, if applicable
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure you are seen and acknowledged
• Avoid distractions such as mobile phones or headphones when crossing the street
• Look both ways, even when at a crosswalk, as some drivers may not stop or may be unaware of the pedestrian right-of-way