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The Upper Ottawa Valley Ontario Provincial Police are reminding pedestrians, cyclists and motorists to take extra precautions as shorter daylight hours make it harder to see other road users.
Police say pedestrians walking or jogging after dark or in low-light conditions should wear bright or reflective clothing to improve their visibility to drivers.
The OPP is also reminding pedestrians not to assume motorists can see them, and to use sidewalks whenever possible. Where sidewalks are unavailable, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder facing oncoming traffic.
Cyclists, meanwhile, are reminded to stay off sidewalks.
Motorists are being urged to remain alert for pedestrians at all times, particularly at school crossings and designated pedestrian crossovers.
Drivers must yield to pedestrians at school crossings where a crossing guard is present, as well as at pedestrian crossovers marked by signs, road markings and lights. The requirement applies while pedestrians cross the entire roadway.
Police are also encouraging motorists to avoid distractions, watch the road ahead, obey posted speed limits and leave enough time to react to unexpected situations.
The OPP says road safety is a shared responsibility, and urges all road users to do their part to help everyone reach their destination safely.
(Steve Berard)
