On a foggy morning in Carr’s Landing, the usual rhythm of morning traffic along this scenic road was joined by something new — a pair of bright, pedestrian-activated push-button warning lights standing quietly on either side of the road. They don’t shout or blare sirens, but when activated, they flash with purpose. And that flash can save a life.
A Community Idea Turned Reality
The new pedestrian-activated warning lights didn’t appear overnight. They are the result of a powerful community partnership between the District of Lake Country, Interior Health, and SAFR (Safety Awareness Friends & Residents) with support from the Carr's Landing Community & Recreation Association (CLCRA).
The warning lights are a pilot project made possible through a BC Vision Zero in Road Safety Grant, co-funded by Interior Health, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Transportation & Transit — an investment in the belief that no loss of life on our roads is acceptable. Vision Zero is more than a slogan. It’s a commitment. And now, in Lake Country, it’s flashing at the push of a button.
“Installed on Carr’s Landing Road north of Whiskey Cove Road, the project is intended to improve the safety and visibility of vulnerable road users along a section of roadway with narrow shoulders and limited sightlines caused by the curve in the road,” said Scott Unser, District of Lake Country Public Works Manager. “The LED flashing lights on the signs remain off until a pedestrian activates them. This design is intentional, as continuously flashing signs can create a ‘white noise’ effect causing drivers who see them regularly to tune them out. By keeping the lights off until needed, the activation becomes a noticeable event for approaching drivers. When the LEDs turn on, they stand out as something new, prompting drivers to pay attention and use appropriate caution while traveling through this area.”
“Supporting community‑driven initiatives like this helps improve safety and health for everyone,” said Katrina Lehenbauer, Interior Health’s Manager of Healthy Communities for the Central Okanagan. “This project reflects exactly what Vision Zero is about -- recognizing that serious injuries are preventable and designing our environments accordingly.”
Marie Molloy, Volunteer Community Activist and Co-founder of Safety Awareness Friends & Residents (SAFR) applauds this important initiative and encourages Lake Country citizens to become more actively engaged in practising and encouraging road safe skills.
"As concerns for the safety of Carr's Landing Road users topped our community surveys in both 2019 and 2024, Carr's Landing Community & Recreation Association welcomes this new device,” said CLCRA Co-chair Julie Halfnights. “We appreciate any action that slows down vehicles and makes everyone more aware of hazards on Carr's Landing Road."
How the Lights Work
The signs feature a ‘Shared Road’ symbol and are equipped with LED flashing lights, along with a tag that reads ‘Pedestrians/Cyclists on Road When Flashing’. When a pedestrian presses the button mounted on the signpost, the LED flashers on both signs, located at each end of the curve, are activated. The lights alert approaching drivers that someone is currently within the curved section of the roadway and caution is required. The lights remain activated long enough for the pedestrian or cyclist to more safely travel through the corner.
Picture a couple walking along the shoulder of the road with a dog and stroller; a senior heading out to visit a neighbour; a teen on their way to catch the school bus. They approach the warning light device, and:
- Press the push button located on the pole.
- Wait a moment as bright lights begin flashing.
- Attempt to make eye contact with drivers and ensure vehicles are slowing.
- Travel the curved road distance between the signs, or cross the road when safe to do so.
The flashing lights alert approaching drivers well in advance that a pedestrian or cyclist is using the curved section of roadway. They increase safety of vulnerable road users — especially during early mornings, evenings, poor weather, through an area where sightlines are limited. This system empowers pedestrians to actively signal their presence instead of relying solely on drivers noticing them.
When drivers see the amber lights flashing:
- Slow down immediately
- Yield to pedestrians.
The flashing lights are not decorative. They are a clear warning: someone is walking, jogging or cycling along the section of curved, limited-visibility roadway. Every second of reduced speed dramatically increases survival rates in a collision. A small adjustment — easing off the accelerator — can make the difference between a near-miss and a tragedy.
Lake Country is growing. More families. More seniors. More walkers, joggers and cyclists enjoying the beauty between lake and land. Growth brings busier roads.
Vulnerable road users — joggers, cyclists and pedestrians -- children, seniors, and people using mobility aids or pushing a stroller -- face the greatest risk in traffic incidents. These new pedestrian-activated warning lights are a practical and visible step toward creating a culture of shared responsibility on our roads. They reflect something deeper than infrastructure. They reflect care.
To local residents and visitors: Use the push buttons. Activate the lights. Make yourself visible.
To drivers: When you see flashing amber lights — slow down. Yield.
In Lake Country, road safety isn’t someone else’s responsibility.
It’s all of ours.