(photo via Calgary Herald)
Don't jaywalk. End of story. No ifs ands or buts.
That's the message members of the Calgary Police Service Traffic Unit and also Calgary Transit Peace Officers want to send to people walking in and around the downtown core today.
Beginning at 6:30 a.m. and straight through the morning rush hour, you'll see officers decked out in high visibility clothing, on foot, in their cars, and on city transit - basically, they'll be everywhere, looking out for people who are tempted to cross where and when they shouldn't be. It's primarily a chance to get into a real dialogue with Calgarians about why it's a no-no to jaywalk - to increase awareness through education. They'll be armed with some cold hard facts like this:
*Just in January 2010 alone, two pedestrians have already died.
*in 2009, 8 out of 23 fatal collisions involved pedestrians.
*many other injuries have occurred to both pedestrians and drivers because of jaywalking incidents - preventable ones - over the past few years
Officers will also be handing out tickets to those who are actually endangering their lives. And it's not just pedestrians they'll want to talk to - they'll be looking to speak with drivers about how they can also drive more defensively to ensure pedestrian safety (as well as their own).
Basically, today is all about moving towards an even safer Centre City. So drivers watch out for pedestrians, pedestrians, don't jaywalk...everyone follow traffic signs and lights...let's make it so all that those officers have to say today is, "good job, people!".
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