As warmer weather continues, it's important to drive focused and with pedestrians in mind.

ICBC is reminding drivers to get off their phones, make eye contact with pedestrians and slow down this spring. Distracted driving can become a big problem during traffic, and particularly at crosswalks, resulting in injuries to pedestrians, according to ICBC Road Safe coordinator Karen Klein.

"We're still seeing on average about 171 pedestrians and 120 cyclists are being injured and crashes every April, and on average 53 pedestrians are killed each year," Klein said.

As part of safe driving practices, Klein shared what may help motorists.

If in a group, it is worthy to "elect somebody to be your person that manages your phone." If you're driving alone and have the ability, she recommended connecting your phone through Bluetooth.

"I put my purse in the trunk ... Remove the temptation, enjoy the ride and the freedom and the quiet. I know when I'm in the car, that's my time to just not be connected."

Klein said crosswalks are also a major point of contention for collisions between drivers and pedestrians.

"About 80 per cent of our pedestrians are being struck at intersections and it's typically because drivers are distracted or they're failing to yield to right of way."

She said drivers need to watch when and where they are turning.

"We need drivers to be looking out their driver window at the crosswalk that they're going to be navigating across when they make the turn," Klein said.

Alternatively, Klein mentioned several things pedestrians could do to stay safe this spring.

"We want pedestrians also to make eye contact before they cross the street, we want to make sure that pedestrians aren't walking around, particularly distracted by their phones ... Make sure that you make that eye contact and and you get that validation from them," Klein said.

Nighttime walkers are encouraged to wear reflectors on their person or device. If you don't have anything of the sort, Klein said the flashlight on your phone works.

 "Use that to try to make drivers see you."

She encouraged parents "to teach their kids to use proper crosswalks (and) to press the button so they get the blinking lights." She added children should also be reminded to have their head up and not be distracted on their phone either.