Sad and Preventable – Fatalities on our Streets

“Sad and preventable”, that’s how Staff Sergeant Gary Carty of the Peel Regional Police Major Collision Bureau describes an 18 hour period on December 4^th and 5^th in which four pedestrians were struck, three of which died, on our roads in separate incidents.  This brings the total number of fatalities on our roads to 37; 18 of which were pedestrians, two were cyclists and the remaining 17 were either passengers or drivers of motor vehicles. 

We need everyone to get the message; whether on foot, bicycle or behind the wheel; stay alert, pay attention to traffic and follow the rules of the road.  Road safety is a shared responsibility between pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

Here are 5 safety tips that all pedestrians and cyclists should follow:

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

For drivers, it’s key to reduce distraction in the vehicle, make eye contact with pedestrians when they are waiting to cross and pause before moving ahead when unsure of their direction.

Deadly collisions on our streets are preventable, when it comes to road safety it’s about everyone working together and making smart choices. 

Please visit the Road Safety section of our website for more tips and information.