Driving & Carpooling
Heads Up Drivers
You're driving up to a crosswalk, playing with your stereo and haven't noticed that other vehicles have started to slow down. Heads up! Pay attention. Watch for vehicles slowing down; they could be yielding to pedestrians and cyclists. The City of Vernon reminds drivers to be alert for cyclists and pedestrians at all times and take extra caution in low light and poor weather. Both drivers, pedestrians and cyclists keep your heads-up, make eye contact and look out for each other.
The City of Vernon’s Heads Upcampaign is asking drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to keep their heads up as it is a shared responsibility to prevent collisions.
- Be alert for people walking and cycling at all times, especially at intersections, crosswalks, downtown and even more so in low light or poor weather.
- Turn with care. Drivers most often strike someone walking or biking while they are making a turning movement. Always shoulder check before turning right and watch for people walking and biking across through the intersection when you turn left.
- Pass safely. You should give people on bikes a wide berth, ideally changing lanes to pass them. Be aware that cyclists may manoeuvre unexpectedly to avoid hazards like gravel, potholes, or puddles.
- Pay attention. Avoid distractions, focus on driving.
- Make eye contact with others on the road.
- Watch for vehicles slowing down around you. They may be stopping for someone to cross the street.
- Heads-up at intersections. Follow traffic lights, not the flashing hand or countdown signal. Pedestrian signals aren’t always timed to the light.
- Open your door with care. 'Dooring' happens when someone opens their car door without looking and strikes a cyclist.
For those who are carpooling to travel to Kelowna or beyond, a signed carpool parking lot is available. The lot is located on College Way across the road from Okanagan College, Vernon Campus. Please obtain an appropriate parking permit from the City Hall cashier located at 3400 30th Street.
The City of Vernon has adopted the Transportation Association of Canada’s (TAC) school and playground signing guidelines. Please click on one of the following schools to see changes to their respective school zone and school area signage: Alexis Park Drive, Silver Star, Harwood, Beairsto, Ellison, Okanagan Landing and Mission Hill Elementary.