Pedestrians have no right-of-way over motorists

Now more than ever there is growing concern for public safety in Iqaluit. With the growing population and the rapid influx of vehicles there is a significant threat to public safety.

Many concerns are about pedestrian and vehicle safety, due to the high number of vehicles on our roadways, as well as the number of pedestrians.

It is unfortunate that in this day and age, many pedestrians hold the misconception that they have the right-of-way over vehicles, providing them with a false sense of security.

The only time a pedestrian has the right-of-way when crossing a road is at a designated crosswalk, or a four-way intersection when it is safe to cross.

If a pedestrian is wishing to cross the road where a crosswalk is not designated, it is the pedestrian’s responsibility to wait until the way is clear before crossing.

At no time is a driver of a vehicle responsible for stopping and letting a pedestrian cross the road where there isn’t a marked crosswalk provided. By doing so, the driver puts both the safety of the pedestrian and the driver at risk.

Though it may be a simple task, many people do not know how to properly and safely cross the road. This may be because of the lack of road safety education in our school system, as well as our own negligence as parents and guardians in teaching road safety to our children.

When crossing a road, each person is required by law to cross at a designated crosswalk, in a straight line, going from one side to the other, using the shortest crossing distance.

It is unlawful to cross at an intersection on a diagonal route through the middle of the intersection. This, as well as crossing where there are no crosswalks, is known as jaywalking.

When entering a marked crosswalk, pedestrians must stop and ensure the way is clear. If not, the pedestrian should first extend their hand, providing awareness to all drivers of their presence at the crosswalk.

For drivers, it should be a common practice to make yourself aware of all the designated crosswalks in Iqaluit, and be cautious about your speed and driving habits when you are in these general areas.

One unfortunate factor during our winter months is that it is virtually impossible to maintain relatively safe road conditions.

As drivers we are responsible to drive in a responsible, professional, and most important, a safe manner.

If we adhere to the speed limits throughout town, which are consistent with 30 to 40 kilometres an hour, this should provide a safe environment for pedestrians and vehicles.

It cannot be stressed enough to drivers: please, do not give up your right of way to another vehicle or to a pedestrian outside of a designated crosswalk. The liabilities and consequences far outweigh the gratitude for the gesture.

The City and you, together we can make Iqaluit a safer and more enjoyable place to live.

Robert Kavanaugh
Iqaluit Bylaw Department
Iqaluit