Back to class is a good time for a road safety refresher: Ontario's Doctors

TORONTO, Sept. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors are reminding pedestrians and drivers to take charge of the safety of our roads.

With summer holidays over and kids back to school, the roads are busier so safety needs to be top of mind. Pedestrians and drivers must take extra precautions to ensure the safety of everyone, whether on foot or behind the wheel.

The number of pedestrian fatalities in the province is alarming. Approximately 100 pedestrians are killed in Ontario every year; tragically, most of these incidents are preventable.

Ontario's doctors are encouraging the public to take these safety precautions:

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.
• Avoid distraction: put your phones and electronic devices away when driving.
• Yield to pedestrians, especially at intersections when making a turn.
• Be patient, especially with seniors or pedestrians with disabilities who may need more time to cross roads.
• Pay extra attention near areas that have islands or zones for dropping or picking up passengers. Pass at reasonable speeds, and be aware in case pedestrians make sudden or unexpected moves.

Parents and caregivers should also be sure to go over road safety again with children. It is important that children know the following:

• To stop and look both ways before crossing a street.
• To stay on the sidewalk, walking as far away from traffic as safely possible.
• To pay extra attention on roads that have no curbs, staying to the side of the road.

Quote:

"All road users have a shared responsibility for road safety. Pedestrians need to be aware of their surroundings, always cross at crosswalks, and remember that drivers may not see them so exercise caution. Drivers are reminded to obey the rules of the road and use extra caution in areas of pedestrian traffic."

Dr. Mike Toth, President Ontario Medical Association

SOURCE Ontario Medical Association

please contact: OMA Media Relations at 416.340.2862 or toll-free at 1.800.268.7215, ext. 2862 [email protected] @OntariosDoctors www.OntariosDoctors.com