Spring road safety

Posted:

EN

With Spring in full bloom, our neighbourhood streets are busy with people out and about enjoying the warm, sunny weather. Halifax Regional Police is encouraging everyone to do their part to safely share our roadways and comply with COVID-19 provincial emergency directives.

Motorists:

  • Avoid distractions and focus on driving.
  • Drive within the posted speed limit and for the conditions.
  • Keep an eye out for pedestrians, particularly near crosswalks, traffic lights and intersections.
  • Keep an eye out for cyclists and ensure you allow for 1-meter clearance when passing them.
  • Yield to pedestrians who are in a crosswalk. Remember that not all crosswalks are marked, and any intersection of streets is considered to be a crosswalk.
  • Only pass cyclists if it’s safe to do so.
  • Make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing their seatbelts.


Cyclists

  • Check your bike to make sure brakes, reflectors and lights are in working order.
  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as traffic.
  • Ride in single file.
  • Obey all road signs and traffic signals.
  • Signal your intentions before turning or stopping.
  • Be visible and stay alert for vehicles and cyclists.


Pedestrians:

  • Stay alert for vehicles and cyclists, particularly when no sidewalk is available.
  • Use crosswalk lights when available and obey traffic light signals.
  • Always look both ways before crossing the road. Make eye contact with vehicle driver and make sure the vehicle has come to a stop before crossing.
  • Wear reflective bright clothing to be more visible.


COVID-19 impacts:

  • Cyclists and pedestrians must comply with provincial and municipal emergency directives in relation to social distancing and limiting gatherings to no more than five.
  • Motorist are asked to heed public health advice to limit your driving and enjoy what’s available in your local community.

We advise members of the public to continue to educate themselves on the directives and Covid-19 enforcement measures at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus.