Pedestrian Safety

With school in session, and an increase in pedestrian traffic, Edson Community Peace Officers would like to remind residents of some basic traffic/pedestrian rules. Pedestrians are also encouraged to use marked crosswalks wherever possible.

Please remember - a person driving a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk.

Pedestrians have the right of way in a crosswalk unless a peace officer or traffic control device directs otherwise. This means that, even if the crosswalk is unmarked, vehicles must stop and yield to pedestrians.

Not all crosswalks are marked, but the Traffic Safety Act stipulates the rules of pedestrian safety should be followed at all intersections.

• When pedestrians indicate their intention to cross the street, vehicles must stop before the crosswalk and allow them to cross (e.g., pedestrian is pointing in the direction they want to cross, standing on the road at the intersection ready to cross, etc.)
• When a pedestrian has entered a marked or unmarked crosswalk, drivers must yield the right-of-way
• When stopping for a pedestrian at a crosswalk, drivers should stop their vehicles far enough back (about two to three car lengths) so traffic in other lanes will be able to see the pedestrian and have time to stop

Drivers should make sure to watch for the elderly or people with disabilities who may take more time crossing.

In Alberta, cars have to stay stopped at a crosswalk until pedestrians make it to the other side.

Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk will result in a $810 fine and 4 demerit points.