March 22, 2021 - 

John McMullin, Associate Lawyer, LETOURNEAU LLP

As more Albertans turn to alternative modes of transportation, such as biking and walking, it's important to ensure that everyone on the road stays safe. Whether you're a driver, a bicyclist, or a pedestrian, there are a number of resources available in Canada to help you stay safe and avoid accidents.

For Drivers:

The Canada Safety Council provides information on how to drive safely, including information on school buses, eating behind the wheel, and others. The Canada Safety Council also has a collection of courses for anyone seeking to improve their driving abilities.

Transport Canada provides guidelines for drivers on many topics, including car seat safety.

To summarize:

1.      Avoid distracted driving;

2.      Remain focussed on the act of driving;

3.      Ensure your car is properly maintained;

4.      Use caution when dealing with challenging road conditions;

5.      Use winter tires; and

6.      Understand how to guard against the unsafe actions of other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

For Bicyclists:

Bike Calgary is a non-profit organization that offers a wide range of resources for bicyclists, including safety tips, and advocacy tools.

Cycling Canada is a national organization that has existed since 1882. It is largely focussed on regulating the sport of cycling but has useful safety information, including this page on managing concussion.  

Locally, Headwinds Cycling Club is a non-profit formed in 1986 that provides involvement for cyclists in road racing, mountain biking, and other areas. Headwinds emphasizes safety and encourages its members to review safety materials, linked from this page here.

Generally speaking, cyclists should consider the follow safety information:

1.      Maintain your equipment;

2.      Ride appropriately, include signalling and predictable cycling;

3.      Maintaining caution at intersections where danger is highest;

4.      Monitor and treat any injuries received.

For Pedestrians:

Canada Safety Council provides information and resources to help promote pedestrian safety, especially for children. They have valuable information on walking in winter, dressing for visibility, and walking while impaired by alcohol.

Active and Safe Routes to School program is an international initiative to promote walking and cycling to school and to improve safety for children, including travel planning and creative ideas for safe walking.

No matter what mode of transportation you choose, it's important to take steps to stay safe on the road. A motor vehicle accident can change your life or the life of someone you involve. Whether you're a driver, a bicyclist, or a pedestrian, there are resources available to help you stay informed and make smart decisions. By working together and following best practices, we can all help create a safer and more secure road environment for everyone in Alberta.

Learn more about John McMullin, our Personal Injury Lawyer.

Learn more about Personal Injury Law from our website.

This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.