Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP): Pedestrian Safety

Most pedestrian collisions happen during rush hour periods, when both drivers and pedestrians are rushing to get home.

Drivers are reminded to reduce their speed when approaching busy intersections as pedestrians may be distracted and not signal their intent to cross. Seasonal changes in daylight during October and November and weather conditions can also make seeing pedestrians problematic.

Motorists are reminded that in Alberta, pedestrians have the right of way at both marked and unmarked crosswalks. The fine for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, or passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk is $776 and it carries four demerit points.

Pedestrian safety facts:

  • Between 2012 and 2016, on average, 45 pedestrians were killed and 1,181 were injured each year.
  • Half of the drivers (49.8 per cent) involved in pedestrian casualty collisions failed to yield the right of way to the pedestrian (2016).
  • The likeliest time for these collisions was between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and more casualty collisions occurred on Friday than any other day (2016).

Bylaw Enforcement Education Program (BEEP): Taxi Standards

Ensuring minimum vehicle standards in taxis/limousines is a responsibility of Enforcement Services.

For the month of October the Bylaw Enforcement Education Program (BEEP) will see license inspectors and Peace Officers performing vehicle safety inspections to ensure minimum standards required for taxis/limousines are either met or exceeded.

Taxis form an important part of our community’s transportation network and taxi inspections are performed on each licensed vehicle at least twice a year in order to ensure these vehicles remain safe.

If the public has any concerns or compliments regarding at taxi or chauffeur they are encouraged to note the taxi unit number which is available on the sides and rear of each vehicle and contact Enforcement Services at 780-830-5790.

Information provided by the CIty of Grande Prairie.