In Saint-Alexandre-de-Kamouraska, pedestrian safety has just taken another step forward. The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility recently held an awareness activity for a new secure pedestrian crossing. Located on Route 289, this crossing, now equipped with a rapid flashing rectangular light (FRCR), promises to improve the safety of pedestrians, particularly that of schoolchildren.
“I think of my grandchildren and the schoolchildren, the young and the young at heart. It is crucial that motorists pay close attention and respect these lights, especially in this busy area,” comments Mayor Anita Ouellet-Castonguay. A collaboration between the Sûreté du Québec, the Municipality and the Kamouraska–Rivière-du-Loup School Service Center made this project possible, thus strengthening road safety in this critical area.
This anticipated project responds to a long-standing problem, and aims to protect the most vulnerable. The FRCR, installed near the school and other key infrastructure, captures the attention of drivers by reminding them of the priority of pedestrians. Each time it is activated, the lights flash for 30 seconds, providing pedestrians with safe passage, even in low visibility conditions. According to Ms. Ouellet-Castonguay, setting up this system was not easy, despite the obvious need. “I have been working on this file for 15 years. I absolutely wanted to avoid any drama. Fortunately, today we are safer. »
Effective measure
This new measure quickly proved its effectiveness, notably during an incident that occurred in June, when a little boy on a bicycle narrowly avoided an accident that could have been fatal. The awareness-raising activity made it possible to distribute explanatory leaflets to pedestrians and motorists, informing them of the best practices to adopt at pedestrian crossings.
Participants learned how to use the new lights, and were made aware of the rules of caution to follow in the area. “For me, it’s a question of mutual respect. Motorists must slow down and give way to pedestrians, but it is just as important that the latter ensure that drivers have seen them clearly before crossing,” concludes Ms. Ouellet-Castonguay.
The Ministry of Transport plans to extend the installation of FRCRs to other pedestrian crossings in the coming months. The goal is to prevent accidents and make the roads safer for everyone, young and old.
