Newfoundland and Labrador is known for many things: it’s rugged beauty, it’s friendly people and, of course, the icebergs, but spend a few days on our roads and one thing becomes crystal clear – we have a real problem with pedestrian safety.
Check the headlines at any given point, especially around our city centres like St. John’s, Mount Pearl and Corner Brook and you’ll hear of near misses, collisions, or at worst, a fatality. It’s a provincial shame that we’re number three in the country for casualty rates per 100k drivers at 11.3 fatalities and 767.7 casualties according to Statistics Canada. As a province, we’ve taken steps to curb these accidents through improved signage, better lighting and even through awareness presentations with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, but there is still room for improvement.
Recently, St. John’s City Councillor Debbie Hanlon did an on-site interview with the CBC’s Malone Mullin on an ongoing traffic issue at Kings Bridge Road. In the interview, Councillor Hanlon urged CBC listeners to come forward with any fresh ideas they might have to improve pedestrian safety in and around the city. Well, we’ve answered the call and are committed to trying to improve the safety of our residents through an innovative idea, the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada. Jamie Ross sat down with CBC’s On The Go’s Ted Blades to discuss the idea of 3D crosswalks.
What do you think? Would you be in favour of trying something new and innovative like a 3D crosswalk in the name of safety? If so, be sure to let us know.
See also: What’s Going On With Insurance Rates?
