Crosswalk safety advocate pleading for caution after rash of accidents

"I'm significantly disappointed," said crosswalk safety advocate Norm Collins. "You always feel for those who are injured and it's disappointing that the spike we have historically seen, seems to be continuing again this year."

Fortunately, none of the injuries sustainedwere serious. All of the drivers involved in collisions on Monday were ticketed for failing to yield to a pedestrian.

"We know it's been raining for the last three days and people will use that as an excuse, but I don't find that to be an excuse at all", said Collins.

"It's the responsibility of drivers to adapt their driving habits to the conditions."

Collins has been the driving force behind bright orange flags being set up at numerous intersections in the Halifax area. They are in place for pedestrians to carry as they cross the street to make them more visible to drivers.

Collins said this is a bad time of year for pedestrians.

"History has it that the number of collisions does go up late in the fall in November and December particularly as people get busier with shopping", said Collins.

"People need to understand that they just need to be more attentive and more careful especially because it gets darker earlier."

Here are a few tips for crosswalksafety Collins has suggested:

• In-pavement LED markers that flash when pedestrians activate the crosswalk lights.
• Reflective tape on crosswalk poles to make them more visible.
• Crosswalk flags provided at crossings that pedestrians can use.
• Advance caution signs to alert drivers to nearby crossings.
• Improved lighting around crosswalks