Ministry of Transport Unintentionally Advocates Dangerous Crossing Practices for Pedestrians
On the Street, Be Seen: A Debated Safety Measure
It's time to hit the pavement, but should you wear neon or keep it dark? Quebec's Ministry of Transportation and Sustainable Mobility suggests illuminating your outfit with light-colored clothing or reflective strips when walking on the streets, even on designated crossings designed for pedestrian protection.
Recently, the ministry shared this advice on its social media, sparking a mix of responses from pedestrians and safety experts.
Driving Attention with Dazzling Fashion
In a Facebook post earlier this week, the ministry published a thought-provoking message on road safety. An image showcases a car abruptly halting in front of a man strolling in dark attire on a pedestrian crossing. In the sequel, the same pedestrian appears calmly passing the crosswalk in light-colored clothes with reflective accents, ushering the stationary car forward.
"Stay visible at all times: wear light-colored clothing or accessories with reflective strips to stand out to other road users, particularly if you're planning to walk after sundown," the ministry advises. It also offers additional recommendations for pedestrians navigating areas without sidewalks or crossings.
The Wheel Turns, but Whose Responsibility?
Marie-Soleil Cloutier, a professor at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique and the Labole Pedestrians and Urban Space, questions the ministry's approach. "This publication contradicts all the principles of the Vision Zero. It's unfortunate that such campaigns still garner attention," she laments.
According to Cloutier, it's problematic to place the blame on vulnerable users who lack adequate protection. Furthermore, she finds it ironic that the pedestrian is walking on a yellow crossing, giving pedestrians priority by law.
A Balancing Act
Sandrine Cabana-Degani, Director General of Pedestrians Quebec, shares similar sentiments, doubting how such a message ended up on the ministry's page, given the urban setting in the illustration.
She advocates emphasizing drivers' duty to anticipate the presence of pedestrians at crossings both day and night. "It's unrealistic to expect pedestrians to always wear reflective bands and bright clothing, though it may be suitable in rural environments where fewer pedestrians are about at night," she suggests.
Cabana-Degani cautions against confusion among citizens regarding legal requirements and potential tensions between various road users. "There is no legal mandate for pedestrians to wear reflective vests or bright clothing in the Highway Safety Code."
A Missed Stepping Stone or Misstep?
As of publishing, the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has not addressed Le Devoir's queries regarding the motivation behind the social media post.
For a more balanced outlook on road safety, consult Pedestrians Quebec's guide for professionals responsible for designing campaigns on road sharing.
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- The debate over safety measures on the streets continues, as Quebec's Ministry of Transportation and Sustainable Mobility suggests pedestrians use light-colored clothing or reflective strips, even on designated pedestrian crossings.
- A professor at the Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Marie-Soleil Cloutier, criticizes this approach, stating it contradicts the principles of the Vision Zero and places undue blame on vulnerable road users.
- Sandrine Cabana-Degani, Director General of Pedestrians Quebec, also questions the ministry's message, advocating that drivers should be held accountable for anticipating the presence of pedestrians.
- In contrast to this discussion, it's worth noting that there is no legal mandate for pedestrians to wear reflective vests or bright clothing in the Highway Safety Code.
