On October 27th, 2016 five volunteers with the Kelowna RCMP, Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey of the Kelowna RCMP and Christine Kirby the Kelowna area Road Safety Coordinator with ICBC, hit the streets of downtown Kelowna to once again help promote the importance of pedestrian safety in our community.

The group personally interacted with members of the public walking along Bernard Avenue and distributed over 600 ICBC Pedestrian Safety Reflectors along with information cards with important ICBC safety information for both pedestrians and motorists.

“RCMP are reminding children and their parents to make sure they stay visible while trick or treating on Halloween,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “Ensure that your costume includes reflective markings or reflective tape and consider carrying a flashlight. It is safest to visit houses on one side of the street at a time and stay on the sidewalk whenever possible,” he adds.

A limited supply of the ICBC Pedestrian Safety Reflectors are available at the KLO Community Policing Office, the Rutland Community Policing Office and the Kelowna RCMP Detachment downtown on Doyle Avenue.

The following are ICBC safety tips for Pedestrians:

Listen: focus all your attention on what’s happening around you;
- Pedestrians should remove their headphones or earbuds;
- Stay off your cellular phone or other electronic devices;
Look: make eye contact with driver’s and cyclists when crossing the street, never assume they have seen you;
Be seen: wear bright, reflective, clothing or gear to help drivers see you, especially at night or in poor weather and low light conditions;