Pedestrian Safety Tips

Peel Regional Police want to remind pedestrians to always look, listen and be seen.

Road safety is a shared responsibility between pedestrians and drivers alike. As a pedestrian you are more vulnerable to injury. Paying attention to your surroundings is the key to being safe. 

Peel Regional Police Major Collision Bureau is responsible for the investigation of fatalities. As part of their investigative process they analyze all contributing factors in each collision. They have found that pedestrian actions are a contributing factor in a significant percentage of collisions. Inattentive and assumptions made by the pedestrian often result in conflict between the pedestrian and the vehicle. In these collisions the pedestrians rarely fare well. Collisions involving pedestrians are a large concern that will only become more significant as the municipalities continue to grow and more citizens use public transit and or walk more often as a form of commuting.

Here are some statistics from 2015 – 2018 in the Region of Peel:

Here are 5 safety tips that all pedestrians should follow:

1. Cross at a marked cross walk when signalled to do so.
2. Look both ways before crossing and make eye contact with drivers.
3. Be aware of engine noise and reverse lights on vehicles.
4. Wear reflective clothing when walking at night.
5. Keep your head up and headphones off when crossing the road.

“Pedestrians need to see and be seen. It is more important to identify a hazard and take precautions. Walk with your head up, be alert and don’t be dead right.” says Staff Sergeant Gary Carty from the Major Collision Bureau.

For more information on pedestrian safety please visit: www.youtube.com