Pedestrian safety is a major concern to police

September 26, 2014 · 0 Comments

From the desk of Inspector Tim Melanson
Ontario doctors, along with Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) launched a public awareness campaign Sept. 2 — Pedestrian Safety is a Two-Way Street.
It urges both drivers and pedestrians to take charge of the safety on our roads.
Now that summer holidays are over and kids are back to school, the roads are busier. Pedestrians and drivers need to take extra precautions to ensure the safety of everyone, whether on foot or behind the wheel.
The number of pedestrian fatalities in Ontario is alarming. Approximately 100 pedestrians are killed in Ontario every year; tragically, most of these incidents are preventable. According to a recent report, Ontario has an estimated 2,695 emergency room visits due to pedestrian related collisions every year.
If you are a pedestrian:
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Stay off electronic devices, which are known to cause distraction.
• Ensure you are visible to drivers.
• Obey traffic signs, look both ways, and make sure that you have time to safely cross all lanes of traffic.
If you are a driver:
• Watch your speed and be aware of reduced speeds, especially in school zones and recreational parks.
• Avoid distraction: put your phones and electronic devices away when driving.
• Yield to pedestrians, especially at intersections when making a turn.
Be aware and avoid distractions on the street and in the car to create a safer pedestrian environment that can lead to the prevention of injuries or deaths on our highways.