Media advisory Monday, March 19, 2018 through Sunday, April 1, 2018, March Safe - pedestrian and school zone safety campaign

Media advisory Monday, March 19, 2018 through Sunday, April 1, 2018, March Safe - pedestrian and school zone safety campaign

Friday, March 16, 2018 - 8:14 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

The Toronto Police Service will be conducting the March Safe pedestrian and school zone safety campaign from Monday, March 19, 2018, through Sunday, April 1, 2018.

Collision analysis has shown that, on average, 50-60% of all our 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. To date, 54% of pedestrian fatalities have involved pedestrians who are seniors.

Officers will be paying special attention to drivers, pedestrians and cyclists who commit traffic violations that may jeopardize pedestrian safety. Parking Enforcement Officers will also be focusing on parking offences that may compromise the safety of pedestrians. Particular attention will be given to all intersection-related offences, pedestrian crosswalk violations, and pedestrians crossing in mid-block locations.

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 applies to drivers, pedestrians, 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.

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 headlighting 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 rearview 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.

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For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

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