Dauphin's Town-Wide Yard Sale is fast approaching, but while you're walking around town, make sure to pay attention to fast-approaching vehicles!
Sgt. Darcy Pahl with the RCMP's Traffic Services said there are a lot of steps pedestrians can take to keep themselves safe with the increased vehicle traffic. A lot of it focuses on simply paying attention, both on the sidewalks and in the driver's seat.
"Be aware of distracted drivers, people on their cell phones, as well as I've also seen distracted walking, where people are walking into traffic while on their phone, that's more of a common thing now...pedestrians should signal their intent to cross the roadway at intersections and crosswalks, make sure that you get the driver's attention, make eye contact with the driver before going to cross the roadway," said Sgt. Pahl.
Most of Dauphin's streets have sidewalks, but if you need to walk on the road for any reason, make sure to walk on the left-side shoulder, facing traffic. Sgt. Pahl said if you're in groups, make sure walk in a single-file line.
"If you're not on a sidewalk, there's not much room on a roadway for cars to get past. Pedestrians should be walking on the left side, facing traffic," said Sgt. Pahl.
Paying attenion to safety doesn't just matter on the sidewalk. If you're driving around town this weekend, watch your speed, and slow down once you're off of main streets. Sgt. Pahl said the faster the car, the deadlier the collision.
"Pedestrian fatalities and severe injury risks rise exponentially as vehicle impact speeds increase," said Sgt. Pahl.
Stay safe while you're hunting down yard sale deals in Dauphin this Saturday. If you're walking or driving, make sure to pay attention to what's around you, and be smart.
