Keep Your Head Up, Be Aware of Your Surroundings and Stay Alert: Ontario's Doctors

TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - With the clocks turned back, November and December are the darkest months of the year, so it's even more important to keep your head up and watch where you walk. That's the message Ontario Medical Association President, Dr. Doug Weir and Hal Johnson from Body Break are driving home with the launch of Strut Safely, which urges pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings and to stay alert.  To watch the video click on the following link. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwe7r4ziyTg

The number of pedestrian fatalities in the province is alarming with approximately 100 pedestrians needlessly killed every year in Ontario walking and crossing the street. According to the Ontario Road Safety Annual Report, 55 percent of pedestrian accidents happen after dark which means pedestrians are especially vulnerable at rush hour. The same report goes on to reveal that 20 percent of pedestrians killed in accidents are inattentive or distracted by phones, mp3 players, or other devices.

Ontario's doctors are providing some helpful tips and encouraging people to do the following while they are out and about this winter:

• Put their cell phones away when walking and crossing the streets;
• Use one ear bud when listening to music so they can still hear bells, horns and other pedestrians;
• Wear brightly coloured or reflective clothing so they are visible when it is dark.

Quotes
"Pedestrian safety seems like common sense, but we've all been guilty of being inattentive or distracted when walking or crossing a street, at one time or another. Remember to be alert and strut safely." 
Dr. Doug Weir
President
Ontario Medical Association

"It's easy to be distracted by any number of devices when walking and crossing the street. Body break and Ontario's doctors have teamed up to help encourage pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings and to strut safely."
Hal Johnson
Body Break

SOURCE: Ontario Medical Association

OMA Media Relations at 416.340.2862 or toll-free at 1.800.268.7215, ext. 286
[email protected] @OntariosDoctors