Media Advisory March Break Safety Tips

Media Advisory March Break Safety Tips

Friday, March 9, 2018 - 2:30 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

While children will be celebrating the arrival of March Break, the Toronto Police Service would like to remind drivers to slow down and eliminate distractions.

The need to be aware and alert at all times on any road, and even in the most routine circumstances, is a key component to moving through traffic safely. This advice 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 popular with children and seniors.

Collision analysis has typically demonstrated that over half of all Toronto fatalities involve pedestrians. To date, 80% of all the fatalities reported this year have involved pedestrians. Last year, 36 pedestrians lost their lives, representing approximately 58% of all traffic fatalities in Toronto. Additionally, to date 54% of the pedestrian fatalities have involved senior aged pedestrians.

Driver Safety Tips:

- A driver who is aware and alert can avoid potential hazards and other distractions
- 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 the 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 travelled lanes only - avoid driving across or through parking spaces
- Use rear-view and outside mirrors often and frequently check your speed

Pedestrians/Transit Users' Tips:

Parents and caregivers can help 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

Let's all work together to make the rest of the year safe.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Clinton Stibbe, Traffic Services, for Superintendent Scott Baptist, Traffic Services