News release

Richmond RCMP October Road Report focuses on pedestrian awareness

November 17, 2025 - Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP

Content

Officers from Transit Police and Richmond RCMP at Brighouse Station

Richmond RCMP is reminding all road users to slow down, stay alert, and make pedestrian safety a priority as darker mornings and earlier evenings reduce visibility on local roads.

In October, officers issued 726 traffic violation tickets as part of the continued enforcement efforts to keep Richmond’s roadways safe everyone.

Key categories of offenses included:

Speeding: 127
Distracted driving: 137
Impaired drug/alcohol infractions: 30
Vehicle-related infractions: 122
Driver Licence infractions: 130

Enforcement highlights

October 14^th:

An officer from the Road Safety Unit (RSU) conducting speed enforcement on Westminster Highway near Graybar Road stopped an Audi A4 travelling 120 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. The driver was issued a violation ticket for excessive speed, failing to change address, and failing to stop for a red light. The ticket fines came to $759, and the vehicle was towed and impounded for a minimum of seven days.
On the same day, another RSU officer stopped a red Toyota RAV4 after it was recorded travelling 135 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. The driver was ticketed for excessive speed, and the vehicle was impounded for a minimum of seven days.

Pedestrian safety focus

With shorter days and changing weather, visibility can be dangerously low. Distracted driving and failure to yield remain top contributing factors in all collisions involving pedestrians.

Drivers are urged to:

Avoid passing vehicles stopped at a crosswalk—they might be allowing pedestrians to cross.
Never drive through a crosswalk without ensuring it's clear, even if the traffic light is green.
Allow pedestrians extra time to cross.
Obey posted speed limits and signal before turning.
Keep crosswalks clear while waiting to turn.

Pedestrians are reminded to make eye contact with drivers before crossing and to wear bright or reflective clothing to increase visibility. When sidewalks are not available, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic and maintain as much distance as possible from vehicles.

In October, Richmond RCMP also launched a new pedestrian safety video campaign to promote awareness and encourage safe, attentive driving habits.

Pedestrian outreach

On November 5, 2025, Richmond RCMP hosted its Annual Pedestrian Safety Outreach at Brighouse Station in partnership with ICBC, the City of Richmond, Bylaws, Richmond Fire-Rescue, and Transit Police.

Over the course of just 90 minutes, 3,318 reflectors were handed out to community members to help improve visibility during darker hours.

Community feedback was highly appreciative and receptive, reinforcing the importance of a shared responsibility for road safety.

Road safety presentations for new drivers

Richmond RCMP’s Road Safety Unit (RSU) has launched a new project aimed at helping young drivers understand the rules of the road and the realities of safe driving.

Developed by RSU officer Cst. Frank Tarape, the initiative brings together law enforcement and ICBC examiners to speak directly with high school students about responsible driving habits, decision making, and what to expect as new drivers.

The first presentation, delivered by Cst. Tarape and Cst. Wang on October 29^th, gave students a chance to ask questions from both the policing and examiner perspectives, aimed at helping them develop greater awareness before getting behind the wheel.

Quote

“Poor visibility and impatience are a bad mix, and every fall we deal with drivers pushing it when they shouldn’t,” said Inspector Vaz Kassam, Richmond RCMP Administration, Support Services, and Community Engagement officer. “Both drivers and pedestrians need to take the conditions seriously. A few extra seconds of awareness can prevent tragedy.”