As days grow shorter and visibility decreases, Coquitlam RCMP reminds road user to take extra precautions

October 29, 2026 - Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia
From: Coquitlam RCMP

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With daylight hours decreasing and fall weather bringing rain, fog, and reduced visibility, Coquitlam RCMP is reminding all road users to take extra precautions to help keep everyone safe on our roadways.

Fall Road Safety Initiatives:

Throughout the fall Coquitlam RCMP officers and volunteers will be conducting a variety of targeted enforcement and education campaigns at locations throughout our communities. The fall road safety campaign began in September with targeted enforcement and education initiatives in school zones throughout Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. During the month, officers and volunteers conducted:

• Conducted 78 enforcement and education shifts at 30 different schools;
• Contributed more than 195 volunteer hours;
• Observed over 7000 vehicles, with 320 travelling at least 10 KM/hr above the posted speed limit;
• Issued 117[AO1]  warning letters to registered vehicle owners.

As fall progresses and visibility becomes increasingly affected by shorter days and changing weather conditions, Coquitlam RCMP will continue its enforcement and education efforts with a focus on pedestrian safety. Officers will continue conducting targeted enforcement in high pedestrian traffic areas, at crosswalks, and near transit hubs to address behaviours that contribute to pedestrian-involved collisions.

In addition to enforcement, Coquitlam RCMP will once again be distributing pedestrian reflectors as part of its annual visibility campaign. Reflectors provide an easy and effective way for people walking during low-light conditions to increase their visibility to drivers.

“We launched increased road safety enforcement efforts in school zones in September and will continue focusing on behaviours that put vulnerable road users at risk. As daylight hours decrease, we want to help ensure pedestrians remain visible and motorists remain vigilant. Through education, enforcement, and initiatives such as our upcoming reflector campaign, we can all play a role in preventing serious collisions," says Sergeants Adriana O’Malley, Coquitlam RCMP Media Relations Officer.

Road Safety Tips: 

As enforcement and education efforts continue throughout the fall, Coquitlam RCMP encourages all road users to take simple steps to improve safety and visibility.

Driver Safety Tips

Drivers can help protect vulnerable road users by:

• Slowing down in poor weather and low-light conditions;
• Scanning carefully for pedestrians at intersections, crosswalks, and near transit stops;
• Allowing extra stopping distance on wet roads;
• Eliminating distractions while driving; and
• Yielding to pedestrians where required by law.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Pedestrians are encouraged to:

• Wear bright, reflective, or high-visibility clothing when walking at dawn, dusk, or after dark;
• Use marked crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals;
• Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into a roadway;
• Avoid distractions such as mobile devices while crossing streets; and
• Remain alert and be aware of surrounding traffic at all times.

Coquitlam RCMP reminds everyone that arriving safely is more important than arriving quickly. By working together and staying vigilant, all road users can help prevent serious injuries and save lives.

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