RCMP and ICBC officials are advising all road users to be mindful of less than ideal seasonal conditions. (file photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

be aware

‘Visibility can be dangerously low:’ road users advised to take precautions as conditions shift

Nov 3, 2025 | 5:33 AM

NANAIMO — With an hour lost during Sunday morning’s shift back to Standard Time, police are reminding all road users of the importance to taking action to improve everybody’s safety.

Oceanside RCMP Sgt. Shane Worth said there are plenty of factors increasing safety risks for pedestrians walking along roads and through intersections.

“It’s the darkest time of year in our province, when combined with poor weather conditions visibility can be dangerously low, particularly during the morning and afternoon commutes.”

Worth said it’s paramount for motorists to drive to the conditions, meaning the speed limit may not be suitable in many scenarios.

He said pedestrians need to be well aware of their surroundings, including making eye contact with motorists when required.

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“Almost one in five people killed in car crashes in BC are pedestrians and crashes involving pedestrians most often happen between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the fall and winter,” Sgt. Worth told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Making sure headlights are operational, tires are properly inflated with adequate tread and wiper blades are functional are among baseline tasks ensuring vehicles are in safe working order.

Sgt. Worth added speed, distraction and impairment are leading causes of crashes in the province.

He said it’s vitally important for all non-vehicular users to be visible, emphasizing that reflective clothing and flashlights are among highly effective illuminating tools.

He said risks are often elevated in rural areas where sidewalks and streetlights are non-existent.

“You do have to make sure that you’re visible, wearing a high visibility vest, carrying a flashlight and making sure that when a vehicle is approaching from another direction that you’re off the roadway as best you can,” Worth said, who noted it’s not recommended for pedestrians to wear earbuds, particularly in high-traffic areas.

According to ICBC, an average of eight pedestrians are killed on Vancouver Island roads during conflicts with vehicles annually, while 301 pedestrians were injured by vehicles on the Island last year.

Fall and winter safety tips for pedestrians and drivers from ICBC are available here.

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