"S.T.E.P. U.P." safety program -- Pedestrian countdown traffic signals

"S.T.E.P. U.P." safety program - Pedestrian countdown traffic signals
Broadcast time: 17:53, Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Traffic Services:  416−808−1900

The TPS Traffic Services Traffic Safety Programmes Unit would like to remind and assist the public through its "S.T.E.P. U.P." (Safety Tips for Educating Pedestrians in an Urban Population) safety program, about the proper use of pedestrian countdown traffic signals. The countdown traffic timer provides a numeric countdown display that indicates the number of seconds remaining for a pedestrian to complete the crossing.

The timer starts counting at the beginning of the pedestrian flashing "Don't Walk" display, and finishes counting (i.e. a "zero" display is shown) at the end of the pedestrian flashing "Don't Walk" display. There is no countdown display during the pedestrian "Walk" or solid "Don't Walk" displays.

Pedestrian control signals – Don’t walk
The Ontario Highway Traffic Act 144(27) stipulates that no pedestrian approaching pedestrian control signals and facing a solid or flashing "Don't Walk" indication shall enter the roadway. Pedestrians should use the flashing helping hand and countdown timer as an indicator to complete their crossing, or go to the nearest island or median if available, and wait for the next walking person display.

Countdown timers are designed to provide supplemental information to pedestrians to aid in crossing during the "flashing Don't Walk" indication. They are not designed to provide motorists with information related to the amount of green time remaining or to address vehicular red−light−running violations.

The installation of these devices is to provide pedestrians with more information to assist them with a safer passage across the street.

The "S.T.E.P. U.P." pedestrian safety program has been designed by the Toronto Police Service to promote cooperative safety strategies with members of our communities, using awareness, education and enforcement strategies to heighten public awareness of pedestrian safety.

One of the best ways to keep our streets safe is for everyone to be courteous and cautious at all times. If the streets are safer for pedestrians, they are safer for all other road−users as well. We all need to continue to be vigilant in our safety efforts.

We ask those who drive to take extra care on the roads and in parking lots, or any location that they may encounter pedestrians, especially in areas where children and seniors might be present.

Here are some tips to help you cross the street safely:
− Be predictable
− Do not make decisions that place you in the path of oncoming traffic
− Make sure the road is clear and all traffic has come to a complete stop
− Stop before entering the roadway
− You must press the button to activate the walk signal at an intersection where a pedestrian pushbutton is installed
− Cross at an intersection when available; avoid crossing mid−block
− Begin crossing on a fresh walk signal
− Be aware of the countdown timer
− Continuously scan the area until you are safely across the street
− Be aware of how long it takes you to cross the street
− Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you
− Cross with caution
− Continue to look for traffic in all directions

All motorists, transit−users, cyclists and pedestrians are reminded that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, obey all traffic laws and be diligent when using our streets.

To learn more about the City of Toronto’s Transportation Services Programs that aim to reduce pedestrian injury and death through education and awareness, click here.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Constable Hugh Smith, Traffic Services