Toronto Pedestrians and Cyclists Are Becoming Fatalities on Toronto Streets
According to the latest data released by Toronto police, almost every week this year a cyclist or pedestrian has been hit by a motor vehicle, sustaining life-threatening injuries or death. The numbers show that from January 1, 2016, to July 7, 2016, twenty-four people sustained fatal injuries, seventeen suffered life-threatening injuries, with the majority of victims being pedestrians.
According to the Toronto Police Department, during the period between January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2016, an unbelievable 879 pedestrians and 412 cyclists were hit by a motor vehicle. Breaking down the numbers, that is five pedestrians and two cyclists a day!
Toronto City Council is looking at improving road safety. The goal of a recent proposal by the Council outlines how the city will reduce the number of road fatalities and serious injuries to zero over the next five years. The plan includes increasing school safety zones, speed reduction and greater fines for traffic infractions in school zones. Although the focus on school districts and children is positive, the statistics show that children are not suffering the most severe injuries. In twenty of the thirty-six fatalities and life-threatening pedestrian injuries, the average age of the victim was over sixty.
Toronto City Council Road Safety Plan To End Fatalities on Toronto Streets
As part of the Council’s proposal, the plan will also suggest speed reductions on several major streets in the Toronto downtown core. Streets that will have speed limits reviewed include Richmond, Adelaide and Front Street.
Although the actions by Toronto City Council are admirable, it is suggested that distracted driving is the leading cause of collisions today. Pedestrians are also distracted, using their cell phones while crossing roadways, paying very little attention to their surroundings. Motorists and pedestrians alike need to put down their phones and concentrate on their surroundings. Wouldn’t it be nice to see a smile from a fellow pedestrian instead of watching them walk into a pole?