Ontario's Doctors asking everyone to keep streets safe during darker months

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2014 /CNW/ - With the sun setting earlier, Ontario's doctors are urging both pedestrians and drivers to be alert and take charge of the safety of our roads.

The end of Daylight Savings Time means it will be darker earlier in the evening, and visibility will be reduced during some of the busiest times on our roads, affecting both pedestrians and drivers.

Findings show that there are more pedestrians hit by vehicles during November, December and January with low visibility often a contributing factor.  Extra precautions need to be taken 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 and the majority occurred at night or during dim light conditions. According to a recent report, Ontario has an estimated 2,695 emergency room visits due to pedestrian related collisions each year.

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

If you are a pedestrian:

• Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Ensure you are visible to drivers; try wearing light coloured or reflective clothing.
• Stay off electronic devices, which are known to cause distraction.
• 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.
• Avoid distraction: put your phones and electronic devices away when driving.
• Yield to pedestrians, especially at intersections when making a turn.

Quotes
"Everyone has a role to play when it comes to ensuring the safety of our roads. As we adjust to the reduction in daylight it's important to be alert and taken precautions to keep streets safe for everyone – whether you are on foot or behind the wheel."

Dr. Ved Tandan
President
Ontario Medical Association

SOURCE: Ontario Medical Association

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