By Emily Keller

GRANDE PRAIRIE ENFORCEMENT SERVICES

October’s STEP and BEEP initiatives focus on pedestrian safety and taxi standards

Oct 4, 2019 | 12:05 PM

Pedestrian safety and taxi standards are the focuses for Enforcement Services in the month of October.

The Selected Traffic Enforcement Program, or STEP, and the Bylaw Enforcement Education Program, or BEEP, are monthly initiatives run by Enforcement Services.

STEP is focused on pedestrian safety, explains Sergeant Ross Gear with Enforcement Services.

“Pedestrian safety is a two-way street. We certainly want drivers to be aware of pedestrians and do everything they can to avoid collisions with pedestrians because collisions with pedestrians is often quite serious. But at the same time, we encourage pedestrians to obey traffic laws, know the laws and help drivers out.”

Gear says there are things pedestrians can do to avoid collisions as well.

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“We teach our school kids to stop, point and proceed, you use that procedure. I do it myself. I do it very regularly because when I’m crossing I want to make eye contact with the driver that’s coming and know that that driver sees me, because what if something is distracting that driver for whatever reason, and that driver does not see me? The last thing I want to do is step out in front of that vehicle.”

He adds that they often see issues regarding bicycle riders.

“A bicycle can be part of the traffic or they can be a pedestrian, and if they’re being a pedestrian, if they’re on the crosswalk, they are expected to stop at an intersection and cross when it’s appropriate, just like any other pedestrian, and often we don’t see that. But if a bicycle is out in traffic, then they’re a vehicle. Not a motor vehicle, but they still are a vehicle and they are expected to follow all of the traffic safety laws just like any other vehicle.”

Pedestrians are also reminded to:

• Always walk on the sidewalk if there is one available, and if not, to walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
• Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective clothing when walking in low-light or dark conditions, especially with the upcoming season changes in daylight.
• If already in a crosswalk and the light changes to “do not walk”, continue to cross safely.
• Be aware of traffic turning at intersections or entering and leaving driveways.
• Use hand signals to make drivers aware of an intention to cross.

Motorists are reminded to:

• Scan for pedestrians.
• Always be prepared to slow down or stop.
• Avoid distractions.
• Be cautious in parking lots or backing out of stalls and driveways.
• Stay alert in school zones and watch for school safety patrol.

Failing to yield to a pedestrian or passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk can result in a fine of $776, and carries four demerit points.

For BEEP, Enforcement Services will be focusing on taxi standards.

License inspectors and Peace Officers will be doing safety inspections of taxis to ensure standards are either met or exceeded.

Gear says that taxi inspections are usually done twice a year in the spring and fall months.