March Break, March Safe Campaign, Monday, March 14, 2016 − Sunday, March 20, 2016

March Break, March Safe Campaign, Monday, March 14, 2016 − Sunday, March 20, 2016

Monday, March 14, 2016 - 4:59 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

During the week of Monday, March 14, 2016, to Sunday, March 20, 2016, the Toronto Police Service will be conducting the annual March Break pedestrian safety campaign.

The "March Break, March Safe Campaign" is designed to promote the education, awareness and enforcement strategies intended to heighten public awareness of pedestrian safety.

While children will be celebrating the arrival of March Break, the Toronto Police Service would like to remind parents and caregivers that the safety of the children in their care must still be a top priority.

Collision analysis has shown that, on average, 50% to 60% of all fatalities involve pedestrians. A total of 75% of all the fatalities reported this year have involved senior-age pedestrians. Last year, 39 pedestrians lost their lives, representing approximately 60% of all traffic fatalities in Toronto.

The need to be aware and alert at all times on any road, even in the most routine circumstances, is a key component to moving through traffic safely. This applies to pedestrians, drivers, cyclists, and transit-users alike. We ask those who drive to take extra care on the roads and in parking lots, especially in areas where children and seniors might be present.

Pedestrians/Transit-User Tips:

Parents and caregivers can reinforce some of these pedestrian safety messages to children, as well as some of our more vulnerable seniors and transit-users.

- stop, look, listen and think before entering the roadway
- utilize crossings at controlled areas, intersections and crosswalks
- make eye contact with drivers and other road-users
- wear reflective or bright clothing whenever possible
- never run into the street
- obey crossing signals and signs

Driver Safety Tips during the March Break:

- a driver who is aware and alert can avoid hazards and other distractions

General Driving Tips:

- scan to identify pedestrians and cyclists entering the road from curbs and driveways or when approaching intersections
- be ready for the unexpected
- avoid using distracting devices
- leave at least 2-3 seconds following distance between you and vehicles ahead
- in fog, rain, snow or darkness, use your full head lighting system. Remember, when conditions require you to use your windshield wipers, you should turn on your headlights as well
- to avoid backing into, or out of, a parking space, pull straight through two stalls (where available) so you are parked with the nose of your vehicle facing out
- drive in traveled lanes only - avoid driving across or through parking spaces
- use rear-view and outside mirrors often and frequently check your speed

During the campaign, all road-users will be subject to various education and enforcement initiatives. Let's all work together to make the rest of the season safe.

Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. Stay informed with what’s happening at: Twitter, Facebook Group and on Blog.

To learn more about the TPS Traffic Services Safety Program that aims to reduce pedestrian injury and death through education and awareness, click here.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services