March Break, March Safe Campaign, Monday, March 10, 2014 to Sunday, March 16, 2014

Toronto Police Service News Release

March Break, March Safe Campaign, Monday, March 10, 2014 to Sunday, March 16, 2014

Sunday, March 9, 2014 - 6:00 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

During the week of Monday, March 10, 2014, to Sunday, March 16, 2014, the Toronto Police Service will be conducting the annual March Break pedestrian safety campaign.

The "March Break, March Safe Campaign" is designed to promote the education, awareness and enforcement strategies intended to heighten public awareness of pedestrian safety.

While children will be celebrating the arrival of March Break, the Toronto Police Service would like to remind parents and caregivers that the safety of the children in their care must be a top priority.

Collision analysis has shown that, on average, 50-60% of all fatalities involve pedestrians. To date, 75 % of all the fatalities reported this year have involved pedestrians. Last year, 40 pedestrians lost their lives, representing approximately 64% of all traffic fatalities in Toronto.

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 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 where children and seniors might be present.

Pedestrians/transit-users tips:

Parents and caregivers may 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

Driver safety tips during March Break:

- A driver who is aware and alert may avoid potential hazards and other distractions

General driving tips:

- 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 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 rear-view and outside mirrors often and frequently check your speed

During the campaign, all road users will be subject to various education and enforcement initiatives. Let's all work together to make the rest of the season safe.

Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. Stay informed with what's happening at: Twitter, FacebookGroup and on Blog.

To learn more about the Traffic Services Safety Program that aims to reduce pedestrian injury and death through education and awareness, click here.


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.



Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services