City of Toronto launches campaign promoting road safety

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  October 29, 2013   

City of Toronto launches campaign promoting road safety

The City of Toronto is launching an education safety campaign to encourage pedestrians, drivers and cyclists to be more aware of each other, especially as we enter a season with reduced daylight hours.

The advertising campaign – displayed on the sides of TTC buses – features a painted face with the eyes focused on either a pedestrian, a cyclist or a vehicle. Highlighting the slogan "Stay Alert – Stay Safe," the campaign reminds people that it is vital to be aware of others using city roads.

"We want to focus on the safety of all road users as they travel around the City," said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley East), Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. "It's important that everyone who uses our roads be aware of their surroundings and puts safety first. Road safety is everyone's responsibility."

Statistics compiled by the City show that there is an increase in collisions involving pedestrians at this time of the year. So far in 2013, 30 pedestrians have been killed in collisions with vehicles – up from 18 deaths at this time last year.

"The best way to keep our streets safe is for everyone to be aware of each other at all times – and this advertising campaign reminds people to do that," noted Councillor Minnan-Wong.

More road safety tips, as well as the campaign's advertisements, are available at http://www.toronto.ca/stayalert.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: Steve Johnston, Senior Communications Co-ordinator, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca