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Far too many pedestrians, particularly senior citizens, are victims of vehicular accidents on our roadways.
To promote safety on city streets, 33 Division launched its “Be Seen Be Safe” safety armband project at its second annual Safety Expo on May 15 at Fenside Public School. The expo allowed the public to look into a variety of options and products to keep them and their homes safe.
The lime-green reflective armbands will make it easier for pedestrians to be seen at night.
“Every year, we lose a number of senior citizens and other pedestrians to motor vehicle collisions. The loss of life is tragic,” said Insp. Richard Hegedus.
“The armband project is just one strategy that the Service has undertaken to reduce the number of fatalities. It will make pedestrians more visible to motorists. What tends to happen, when elderly people want to cross the road, is that they are struck by vehicles because they can’t move as quickly as other people.”
Hegedus said Toronto Fire Services, Emergency Medical Services and the Amalgamated Transit Workers Union that represents Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) workers, have endorsed the project.
“This is recognition that far too many of our senior citizens have been victimized when they are pedestrians on our roadways,” said 33 Division S/Insp. Tony Riviere.
“The armbands make them more visible.”
Area resident Len Helwig, who was the victim of a pedestrian motor vehicle collision, promised to use two of the reflectors when he is out on the street. In addition to the one around his arm, he wrapped one around his walking stick that he now uses, after jumping out of the way of a turning vehicle. He tore ligaments in his left knee and damaged his right leg.
Riviere acknowledged Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) member Roz Sonshine for championing the armband project.
“She has been the lead on this and she has done an absolutely fantastic job,” Riviere said.
 He also acknowledged the armband sponsors, including Delmanor Wynford, Cadillac Fairview Corporation and Premier Homecare Services. They were each presented with a framed certificate.
Nearly 40 vendors attended the expo.
“We do crime prevention all the time, but we wanted to do something different,” said Const. Kelly Downie.
“Home-care safety is one of the key concerns of our seniors and we like to be proactive. This is a great and safe community and we want to keep it that way.”
David Reiff and Tom Reimer of Metalex Screen Doors were proud to be part of the expo attended by community members and MPP Michael Coteau.
The Scarborough company produces garden and folding gates, window-well covers, Juliette balcony railings, door grills and TeleDoor bells.
“What is unique about us is that we are in the business of providing physical security,” Reiff said.
“Our products are effective in the prevention of crime and at the same time they allow you to leave your windows open without compromise.”
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Traffic Services: 416−808−1900
Pedestrian deaths on our roadways have represented a greater percentage of all traffic fatalities over the last few years. To ensure pedestrian safety, police would like to remind the public of their responsibilities crossing the roadways.
To lawfully cross a signalized intersection with pedestrian controls, you may only enter the roadway when the walk signal is illuminated for your direction of travel.
It is illegal to enter the roadway if the “do not walk signal” is flashing or is solid. When there are no pedestrian controls, you may only enter the roadway on a solid green signal for your direction of travel.
Where there are painted lines on the roadway indicating either a pedestrian crosswalk or pedestrian crossover, you must cross within those lines. It is illegal to cross a street mid block and interfere with traffic.
The Toronto Police Service is encouraging pedestrians and motorists to be alert and take the necessary steps to ensure their safety by following these tips:
− cross with traffic controls and be cautious when crossing any intersection,
− pay attention to surroundings when entering and leaving TTC vehicles,
− make sure you are visible; wear bright or reflective clothing,
− make an effort to get eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb,
− be patient and courteous and respectful of all road users,
− cross on a fresh signal and watch out for vehicles turning across your path.
Pedestrians have the same responsibility as motorists to follow the rules of the road and not compromise their safety or that of any road users. No matter who has the right of way, pedestrians should always be prepared to stop, look and listen for other traffic to avoid a collision.
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