The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is launching a traffic safety campaign, Project Vigilance, to raise awareness about how to stay safe while driving, riding or walking during the longer hours of darkness this season.

 “We’re seeing serious incidents on the roads. This includes a woman killed while riding an e-scooter over the weekend, a pedestrian killed, and a seven-year-old child hit by a vehicle,” says VPD Sergeant Adam Donaldson. “The clocks aren’t turning back so we need to be a little more aware of the darkness and our surroundings this season.”

Every day, there will be fewer daylight hours until the winter solstice on Dec. 21, which is the shortest day of the year.  Officers will be targeting high-risk intersections and corridors, including school zones.

 “We’ll be targeting speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, jaywalking, and lack of helmets, among other behaviours that can cause harm,” says Donaldson. “In Vancouver, we love to wear black and carry black umbrellas. If you can clip a reflector to a bag or your clothing, it’ll help drivers see you.”

 An e-scooter safety awareness campaign in September saw more than 1,275 warnings and tickets handed out with the majority handed out as warnings. This campaign may include less warnings and more tickets.

Rules of the road reminders:

• Follow the posted speed limits. The max speed for e-scooters is 25km/h.
• Driving or riding under the influence of alcohol/drugs or using a mobile device/cellphone while driving or riding is illegal.
• Helmets are mandatory for all ages while cycling on public roads and bike lanes.
• Riding on sidewalks is prohibited unless a traffic sign explicitly permits it.
• Doubling is not allowed.
• A white front light and a red rear light/reflector must be used on bikes between sunset and sunrise. E-scooters must have front and rear lights.