Toronto traffic fatalities involving pedestrians increased in 2015, nearly doubling since 2011. In fact, over half of Toronto’s traffic fatalities last year involved pedestrians. Distracted or bad drivers are being blamed, and there are many things drivers can do to reduce their chances of hurting someone while on the road. But are there steps pedestrians can take to prevent accidents as well? What if drivers and pedestrians worked together to reduce accidents?
Toronto is notorious for crowded roadways, which are becoming more dangerous due to increasing traffic. Unfortunately, more drivers and more crowded roads mean more accidents. By reducing their speeds, obeying stop signs and stop lights, and generally paying more attention, drivers can make a huge positive impact on accident reduction. Even something as simple as using turn signals so pedestrians know when it is safe to cross an intersection can make streets safer.
However, pedestrians can also be more responsible. In his CityNews article “Pedestrians need to be more self-aware, too – not just drivers,” Thomas Bink points out that pedestrian awareness is crucial to reducing accident fatalities. The TTC even rolled out a safety campaign urging pedestrians to properly follow traffic signals and crosswalks and wear bright clothing at night so that they can be more easily seen. Many Toronto citizens have criticized this campaign because they say it blames pedestrians for drivers’ mistakes, but Bink makes the point that there is a lot pedestrians can do to improve their own safety.
Just a few tips that can help you stay safe as a pedestrian include looking both ways before crossing the street, using crosswalks instead of crossing streets at random, and waiting until traffic is clear before crossing. Paying attention to “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signs and making the effort to stay aware of your surroundings while using your cell phone are other important steps you can take.
Sharing responsibility for accidents is a logical way to reduce them. Pedestrians should not take it for granted that drivers will obey the rules or see them crossing the street, and drivers shouldn’t assume that pedestrians will behave safely. Whether you are a driver or a pedestrian, caution is always the best weapon against accidents.
For more tips on how you can protect yourself as a pedestrian or driver, click here to read the article. In addition, whether you are a pedestrian or a driver who has been involved in an accident, get the help you need to understand your rights by contacting a pedestrian accident attorney.
