How Drivers and Walkers Can Stay Safe as Evenings Get Darker

October is Pedestrian Safety Month and it’s also when daylight shrinks fast. In low light, drivers have less time to see people on foot and walkers are harder to spot. The best protection is simple: drivers slow down and scan crosswalks early and pedestrians wear bright or reflective clothing and make eye contact before crossing. A collision can also affect your insurance. According to AIRB, an at-fault claim can affect your premium for up to 6 years.

Why Is October a Higher-Risk Month for Pedestrians?

Earlier sunsets mean more walking, driving and school pickups happen at dusk or after dark. Wet leaves, rain and early snow can make roads harder to stop on, too.

A recent U.S. analysis shows why light matters. This is U.S. data, not Canadian data and it’s shared only as an example. Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) looked at U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) figures and found:

• October had more serious pedestrian crashes than any other month, about 27% above the average month.
• U.S. drivers braked hard more often in October than the yearly average (about 6% higher) and this happened in all 50 U.S. states.
• NHTSA reported 76% of U.S. pedestrian deaths in 2024 happened in darkness.

The lesson applies here too: when daylight drops, everyone on the road needs to do a little more to see and be seen.

What Should Drivers Do to Keep Pedestrians Safe?

Many of the winter driving tips work well for darker evenings:

• Scan early. Look ahead for people at crosswalks, school zones, bus stops and driveways before you get there.
• Slow down. Posted speed limits assume good conditions. You need to adjust to the road conditions.
• Use your headlights. Daytime running lights aren’t enough. Headlights help others see you, too.
• Leave extra space. On slick roads, leave at least three times your normal following distance.
• Brake gently. Sudden braking or swerving can cause a skid.
• Clear your windows, mirrors and lights of snow, ice and frost.
• Check road conditions before you go. Dial 5-1-1 or visit 511Alberta.ca.
• Put your phone away. In Alberta, distracted driving carries a $390 fine and 3 demerit points.

Turning? Check the crosswalk you’re turning across. Drivers often look at oncoming traffic and miss people on foot.

What Can Pedestrians Do to Stay Safer?

The below recommendation work well if you’re a pedestrian:

• Wear bright, light-coloured clothing or reflective strips in low light.
• Make eye contact with drivers before you step off the curb. Don’t assume you’ve been seen.
• Use sidewalks, corners and marked crossings where you can.
• Stay alert near driveways and parking lot entrances, where drivers may not be looking for people on foot.

Parents: Make sure kids who walk to school or the bus in the dark are easy to see and talk through their crossing routes.

How Does a Collision Affect My Car Insurance?

A collision can have a long term effect on your record and on the cost of repair for everyone.

• Claims costs are rising. AIRB’s Market & Trends 2026 report shows the average cost of a collision claim in Alberta has gone up about 46.9% since 2021.
• At-fault claims count for 6 years. Under AIRB’s rating principles, an at-fault claim affects your premium for 6 years.
• Tickets count too. Minor or major traffic convictions affect your premium for 3 years, while criminal code convictions can affect it for 4 years.

Summary

Pedestrian Safety Month is a good reminder to build habits which last all year. Drivers: slow down, scan early and put the phone away. Walkers: wear bright or reflective gear and make eye contact. A few extra seconds of attention can keep everyone safe.

To learn more about auto insurance in Alberta, visit airbfordrivers.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pedestrian Safety Month? It’s an observance in October to raise awareness about the safety of people on foot and other vulnerable road users, especially as daylight hours shorten.

Why are pedestrians harder to see in the fall? Earlier sunsets mean more walking and driving happens in low light. Wet or icy roads can also make it harder to stop quickly.

How can drivers keep pedestrians safe? Scan crosswalks, school zones and bus stops early, slow down, use your headlights, leave extra space and put your phone away.

How can pedestrians make themselves more visible? Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

What is the distracted driving fine in Alberta? $390 and 3 demerit points.

Does a collision affect my car insurance in Alberta? It can. An at-fault claim can affect your premium for up to 6 years under AIRB’s rating principles.

Do the U.S. pedestrian crash figures apply to Alberta? No. The CMT and NHTSA figures in this article are U.S. data, not Canadian data. They’re shared only as an example of why light conditions matter.

What is the eligibility for the Good Driver Rate Cap in Alberta? At renewal, to be eligible, a driver has no at-fault claims in the last 6 years, no driving-related Criminal Code convictions in the last 4 years, no major convictions in the last 3 years and no minor convictions in the last 3 years. There are also some technical exceptions like switching vehicles, moving, or adding a higher-risk driver to your policy. For the full details visit https://www.airbfordrivers.ca/good-driver-protection/