They say if you can’t beat them, join them. The saying is true for a province in Canada, where the vertical crosswalks hit the roads before drivers can, forcing drivers to stop for pedestrians. Canada proves that unique measures must sometimes be taken to ensure the safety of all road users. These unique vertical crosswalks are certainly worth a second look, not only for their ingenious designs, but also to ensure you do not do something you may regret later.
Some stereotypes should be taken with a pinch of salt
One of the most common Canadian stereotypes is that Canada is known for its polite and welcoming people. However, in a certain Canadian province, patience is not always a virtue, especially at crosswalks, and politeness immediately flies out the window. According to a safety findings report, 18% of road traffic injuries involved pedestrians in 2019, and the majority of these injuries occurred on major roads.
The problem became a growing concern, especially as incidents increased due to distracted drivers or drivers blatantly ignoring pedestrians at crosswalks, despite very clear traffic laws. Now, a creative solution has been introduced to a select few crosswalks in the province, forcing drivers to stop. Find out below why these particular crosswalks are now worth taking a second look.
Vertical crosswalks hit the roads and force drivers to stop
Several U.S. cities and states have urged road users to remain vigilant during the festive season, and several winter safety tips have been shared in line with respective state traffic laws, including equipping cars with the right tires for the changing asphalt colors. However, in the eastern province of Canada, Quebec, many drivers still remain ignorant of the rules and regulations.
This is why the Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) has introduced vertical crosswalks in some areas, as seen in a TikTok video uploaded by @auto.only. These crosswalks will force even the most aggressive driver to stop for pedestrians, as the yellow barricade appears from the road when a pedestrian wants to cross, thanks to vehicle detection sensors.
This makes the excuse ‘I did not see the crosswalk’ a thing of the past. Beyond the obvious reason of not injuring a fellow road user, or the more vain reason of not damaging your vehicle, these “crossing fences” are certainly worth a second look.
Why they’re worth a second look
SAAQ’s innovative solution to a very serious problem has gained global recognition. According to The One Club, the yellow pop-up barricades have caught the attention of media sources in Quebec, the U.S., and Europe, with approximately 10 million people reached on social media. The initiative has received significant positive feedback worldwide and will now be used as an instructional tool for new drivers.
As vertical crosswalks hit the roads in Quebec, SAAQ will continue to explore the effectiveness of the initiative. This means that several pedestrians must continue to remain vigilant, as not all crosswalks will receive the installations (yet). Drivers are being reminded to yield to pedestrians crossing the roads, as failure to do so will result in the following penalties:
- 2 demerit points on your driving record
- Traffic fines, which are between $200 and $300
- Additional court fees
Pedestrians are also being reminded to obey the pedestrian laws under the Highway Safety Code. Remember, these traffic rules and regulations are to ensure the public safety of all road users. As road safety becomes a growing concern during the festive season, obeying these rules and regulations becomes increasingly important, as they can mean the difference between life and death. Other steps that have been taken to increase road safety include slower roads as cities adopted 20 mph speed limits.