Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast enters the winter season on permanent Pacific Time (PCT) and morning commutes are getting darker.
Island Health is encouraging residents to take extra safety precautions while travelling in the dark. Reducing speed, staying alert, using lights and reflective gear can help with road safety.
In a news release, the agency said pedestrian injuries and fatalities are more common during the fall and winter months.
In 2025, 5,909 motor vehicle incidents on Vancouver Island resulted in injury or fatality.
“We can all take preventative actions to improve visibility, giving others more time to see one another and react safely,” says Dr. Melissa Wan, medical health officer. “Whether you’re behind the wheel, on a bike, or on foot, slowing down, staying alert and making yourself visible can help create safer journeys for everyone.”
Safety precautions you can take:
Drivers:
-Clear your windshield, side windows, side mirror, and rear window before driving.
-Slow down.
-Pay extra attention at intersections, crosswalks, bus stops and school zones.
Pedestrians:
-Wear reflective gear.
-Stay alert when crossing the road.
-Don’t dart out quickly.
-Make eye contact with drivers.
Cyclists:
-Use a white light at the front and a red light at the back.
-Turn lights on in any low-light conditions.
-Consider adding reflective gear to improve visibility.
