OPP Reminding The Public About The Shared Responsibility On The Roads

Saturday, 30 January 2016 06:13

OPP are reminding that not only cars share the road, but bikes and pedestrians as well.

The OPP is putting out a reminder to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to share the road.

A number of collisions have already occured in the province in 2016 and over in Norfolk County they have had three fatalities involving pedestrians over the past two months. Police say it is important to keep 100 percent of your focus on driving when you are behind the wheel. A similar message goes to pedestrians, as a number of collisions have happened where people are texting and walking and not paying attention to their surroundings.

Starting January 1, 2016, drivers (including cyclists) must stop and yield the whole roadway at:

- Pedestrian crossovers; and, at school crossings where there is a crossing guard displaying a school crossing stop sign.

It is up to both drivers and pedestrians to keep everyone safe on Ontario roads.

- Cross only at marked crosswalks or traffic lights. Don't cross in the middle of the block or between parked cars.
- Make sure drivers see you before you cross. If the driver is stopped, make eye contact before you step into the road.
- Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, especially at dusk or when it's dark.
At a traffic light:

Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop.

- Begin to cross at the start of the green light or “Walk” signal, where provided.
- Do not start to cross if you see a flashing “Do Not Walk” symbol or the light turns yellow. If you already started to cross, complete your crossing in safety.
- Never cross on a red light.
- Watch for traffic turning at intersections or turning into and leaving driveways.
- Pay special attention to pedestrians as you drive. Here are some tips to follow:

Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning.

- Watch for children. Drive slowly and cautiously through school zones, residential areas, or any other area where children could be walking or playing.
- Watch out for Community Safety Zone signs that indicate areas where public safety is a special concern, including the possibility of encountering pedestrians.
- Be patient, especially with seniors or pedestrians with disabilities who need more time to cross the road.
- Drive carefully near streetcar stops with islands or zones for passengers getting on and off. Pass them at reasonable speeds, and always be ready in case pedestrians make sudden or unexpected moves.