Nova Scotia pedestrian fatality rates up in 2018

While the number of highway fatalities in 2018 was up more than 50 per cent over 2017, the number of pedestrians killed has almost doubled.

As of Boxing Day, 76 people died on Nova Scotia roads in 2018, up from 48 last year. Of those deaths, 12 were pedestrians.

That’s as many as the previous two years combined, and the most since 13 people on foot were killed in 2006.

“It’s important for both sides to keep their eyes and ears open when they’re out driving or walking or engaging in some other form of physical activity,” said RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Clarke.

“It’s important as well, when crossing the road, to acknowledge the driver using the road and make sure they do see you and that they acknowledge that you’re there.”

She said while pedestrians always have the right of way at crosswalks and intersections, “if you’re the pedestrian and the car doesn’t see you, even if you do have the right of way, I think most of us know how that’s going to go. It’s important to protect yourself and get the attention of the driver to make sure you can be safe.”

She said road conditions such as snow and ice can affect how quickly or easily someone can cross a road, but also how well a motorist can stop.

And while people tend to have headphones on while running or walking “it’s important that you can actually hear traffic, and that you’re aware of what’s going on around you even with the music on.”

Clarke also said people should have reflective clothing or lights when walking in low light, and should walk facing traffic flow when there is no sidewalk.

The other deaths last year included 52 vehicle occupants, nine motorcyclists, two off-road vehicles, and one cyclist.

The total is the most since 80 people died in 2013.

Clarke said such an increase is concerning, and while police hope the fatality rate will go down again, “temporary blip or not, each of those numbers involve a family with a whole circle of people who are missing the person who is no longer with us.”

She said police will continue to concentrate enforcement, patrols, and education on areas where there are higher deaths or an influx in particular causal factors.