Grey hair was prevalent, and intentionally so, in a packed room of seniors who came together for a crash course in road safety.
Ed Anderson, whose job it is to determine if people are road savvy enough to receive or renew their drivers licences, recently addressed several dozen older 91原创 residents during a seniors week workshop held at the 91原创 Senior Resource Society's centre.
The local ICBC driver examiner talked about pedestrian safety and took time to address questions and misconceptions around the Enhanced Road Assessment (ERA) for older drivers.
When it came to addressing pedestrian safety, Anderson offered tips for both drivers and pedestrians alike, emphasizing how efforts must be taken on the part of both parties to share the road.
"We know through our crash data that nearly half (43 per cent) of crashes involving pedestrians happen between October and January, as weather and visibility worsen in B.C.," Anderson told the crowd.
Consequently, prior to daylight savings, ICBC launches an annual pedestrian safety campaign where community volunteers and ICBC road safety coordinators distribute reflectors to pedestrians, attend educational events, and work with partners on activities throughout the province.
"However," Anderson emphasized, "this is a year-round issue, and crashes can be prevented."
He said on average 2,346 pedestrians are injured and 53 pedestrians are killed on B.C. roads every year.
Distracted driving and failing to yield the right-of-way are the top contributing factors for drivers in pedestrian-related crashes, he cited, noting that 78 per cent of crashes involving pedestrians in B.C. happen at intersections.
"ICBC is working to make roads safer for pedestrians," Anderson said, adding that ICBC has invested more than $10 million in projects focused specifically on pedestrian safety since 2014.
"You can only see pedestrians if you look for them. Focus on the road, be ready to stop for pedestrians, and reduce your speed when pedestrians are present," he advised. "And, as a pedestrian, never assume a driver has seen you. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street."
Tips for drivers and pedestrians are available online at: .
Anderson also took some time to explain the ERA, providing seniors with the information on how to prepare for an assessment, should one be required by RoadSafetyBC.
He was quick to clarify that RoadSafetyBC is the superintendent of Motor Vehicles, and it's not to be confused with ICBC's road safety initiatives. But, ICBC does facilitates the on behalf of RoadSafetyBC, Anderson explained.
He spoke to self assessment, as well as the efforts taken under the ERA to assess driver fitness 鈥� noting at the age of 80 drivers are required to take a medical exam, and again at age 85, and every two years following. He also offered some common tips for seniors and a refresher on rules of the road, plus emphasized the importance for seniors to stay mobile 鈥� in general and for the benefit of driver safety.
"We had a number of people come up to us afterwards," Anderson recounted. "One in particular stands out from Carol when she genuinely expressed her thanks and appreciation for the excellent presentations."
Anxious to share information through such workshops, he concluded: "We鈥檙e here to help."
