RCMP stress crosswalk safety

Steinbach RCMP is reminding motorists to be alert for pedestrians and grant them the right of way at crosswalks.

In a Jan. 16 news release, they stressed that drivers must yield the right of way to pedestrians who are crossing the roadway at a crosswalk, pedestrian corridors, intersections controlled by traffic lights or unmarked crosswalks that are extensions of sidewalks across a road at an intersection.

“At or near schools, drivers should watch for crossing guards because they indicate that children are nearby,” the news release stated. “The crossing guards are easily recognized by their high visibility vests and flags. They play an extremely important role in directing children across streets.”

It is the driver’s responsibility to ensure pedestrians and crossing guards have safely crossed the street or have safely reached the median on a divided roadway before proceeding.

Pedestrians too can play a role in ensuring they’re safe.

RCMP said they should signal their intention to cross a pedestrian corridor by pushing the control button and activating the warning lights and by extending their arm forward.

“Don’t begin to cross unless traffic has stopped or is a safe distance away,” he said.

Failure to yield to a pedestrian could result in a $174 fine under the Highway Traffic Act.