As most of British Columbia enters the first fall and winter on permanent Pacific Time (PCT), more people are travelling to work, school, appointments and errands in the dark. With darker morning commutes expected throughout the fall and winter months, Public Health is encouraging residents to take extra precautions and take simple steps to help keep themselves and others safe on the road. This includes slowing down, staying alert, and using lights and reflective gear to improve visibility whether travelling by vehicle, bicycle, mobility device or on foot.
Pedestrian injuries and fatalities are more common during the fall and winter months in many places including in the Island Health region. Many factors may contribute to this seasonal pattern, including weather, changing travel habits and reduced visibility. Research shows that darkness and lower ambient light can make it more difficult for drivers to detect and react to people walking, cycling or rolling, particularly at crossings and intersections.
Reduced speeds, better visibility and increased awareness can help prevent serious injuries during darker winter mornings. Whether driving, cycling or walking, taking steps to see and be seen can provide valuable time for everyone to react safely. Simple actions such as clearing vehicle windows before driving, using bicycle lights, and wearing reflective materials can help people see one another sooner and react more safely.
Medical Health Officer Dr. Melissa Wan says small changes in how people travel during darker winter mornings can have an important impact on preventing injuries and keeping communities safe.
“We can all take preventative actions to improve visibility, giving others more time to see one another and react safely,” says Dr. Melissa Wan. “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.
Preventative steps you can take
If you’re driving:
- Completely clear your windshield, side windows, side mirror and rear window before driving. This becomes especially important in the fall and winter when more moisture and dew accumulate in mornings when the sun has not yet had a chance to dissipate the moisture. Low-light conditions combined with obstructed views can make it more difficult for drivers to see and respond to people, vehicles and hazards on the road.
- Slow down in areas where people walk and cross.
- Pay extra attention at intersections, crosswalks, bus stops and school zones.
- Expect people to be harder to see during dark or low-light conditions.
If you're walking, jogging or rolling:
- Wear reflective materials, on your wrists and ankles, where natural body movement puts these reflective devices into motion making them even more visible to drivers.
- Stay alert when crossing the road, even when you have a walk signal or the right of way. Many people are hit when they are legally crossing.
- Don’t dart out quickly if you’re running late and may miss your bus. It’s not worth the risk.
- Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible.
If you're cycling:
- Use a white light at the front and a red light at the back.
- Turn lights on during dawn, dusk and any low-light conditions.
- Consider adding reflective clothing or accessories to improve visibility.
In 2025, 5,909 crashes on Vancouver Island resulted in an injury or fatality (ICBC).