Safe Streets Start Here

Month-long awareness efforts focus on pedestrians, cyclists, impaired driving, and speeding

King Township is revving up for its “Safe Streets Start Here” traffic safety campaign, kicking off Sept. 3 with a four-week drive to make King’s roads safer. Each week in September, a critical safety issue will be spotlighted, from pedestrian awareness and bike safety to tackling impaired and distracted driving and curbing speeding.

The campaign was strategically launched to align with the return of children to school, emphasizing the increased need for safety on busier roads and sidewalks. This initiative will be an annual, month-long campaign in support of Complete Communities, a priority area of King Township’s Corporate Strategic Plan, with the objective to enrich community well-being and make King the ideal place to live, work and play.

Community engagement

The community is encouraged to participate in the campaign to help spread key messages around road safety awareness. There are several ways to do this, including:

Social media: follow @kingtownship on the official corporate social media channels on X, Facebook and Instagram to like, comment and share photo and video content. Followers are invited to tag @kingtownship on their own road safety awareness posts using the hashtag #SafeStreets; and the Township will consider sharing content if deemed appropriate.
Safe Streets art exhibit: Visit the King Township Municipal Centre (Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to view a road safety art installation created by King’s summer campers.
Lawn signs: pick-up a FREE “Safe Streets Start Here” lawn sign to install on your property throughout September, which will serve as a visual reminder to drive, walk and bike safely through local neighbourhoods. Signs are available at the King Township Municipal Centre, all three library branches in King City, Nobleton and Schomberg and the Trisan Centre in Schomberg, while quantities last.

Safe Streets lawn sign

Key Message: Pedestrian safety: a two-way street for drivers and walkers
Statistics
- There were 298 collisions involving pedestrians in York Region (on both Regional and local roads) in 2023.
- 94% of collisions involving pedestrians resulted in injuries or fatalities.
- 89% percent of collisions involving cyclists resulted in injuries or fatalities.
- Pedestrians or cyclists were involved in 3% of all collisions.
Safety tips
Pedestrians
- Make eye contact with the driver. Ensure you are seen.
- Wear bright, light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, especially in low-light or dark conditions.
- Avoid jaywalking.
- Obey pedestrian signals and only cross at marked crosswalks and intersections.
- Watch for vehicles turning at intersections or backing out of driveways.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Avoid distractions, like texting or wearing earphones.
Motorists
- Always look for pedestrians crossing the road, especially when making a turn.
- Drive slowly through school zones and residential areas. Watch for children running across the road or darting out from between parked cars.
- Watch for Community Safety Zone signs that will warn you about special risks to pedestrians.
- Be patient towards pedestrians with disabilities, children or seniors. They may need more time to cross the road.
- Be careful around public transit vehicles - follow streetcar and bus laws in order to protect pedestrians getting on and off.
Key Message: Pedal with purpose: our shared journey to safety
Statistics
- York Regional Police collision statistics show that 62% of all pedestrian and cyclist collisions involve a turning vehicle.
- Pedestrians and cyclists are the most vulnerable travellers on the road network. The rates of injuries they sustain are higher compared to other modes of travel.
- More than 90% of pedestrian collisions and more than 80% of cyclist collisions result in injuries or fatalities.
- In 2022, cyclists sustained injuries in 86% of all cyclist collisions.
- More than 80% of cyclist collisions occur at intersections where vehicles are turning.
Safety tips
Motorists
- Share the Road - give cyclists at least one metre of space when passing
- When approaching a group of cyclists, slow down and wait until its safe to pass - looking for oncoming traffic and good sightlines (do not pass on a hill/sharp curve)
- Be prepared for cyclists to move laterally on the roads. They have to avoid potholes and obstacles while riding
- Have patience. It may slow you down but unsafe driving around cyclists can cost them their lives
Cyclists
- Ride tight to the right side of the road as much as possible, leaving space for passing motorists.
- When riding in groups, do not ride with more than two abreast. It provides space and shortens the amount of time it takes a motorist to pass your group.
- Always ride with front and rear lights in use, it increases visibility and your safety
- Anticipate having to stop for motorists at all intersections and driveways, even if you have the 'right of way'. Mistakes are made and this could save your life.
- Ride with a I.D. bracelet that contains your name, medical info and emergency contact in case of an emergency.
Key Message: Drive safe, don’t risk it!
- Statistics
  In 2023, York Regional Police charged a total of 1,350 people with 1,884 impaired-related charges.
- The number of impaired drivers over the course of the year marks roughly a six per cent drop from the 1,441 reported in 2022.
- Impaired driving remains the leading criminal cause of death in Canada.
Safety tips
- Always choose a non-drinking designated driver — every time you go out.
- If you go out alone, do not drink alcohol. Order a non-alcoholic beverage such as a soft drink or water.
- Never feel pressured to drink alcohol. If you do plan on drinking, do so responsibly. Eat plenty of food and drink water.
- If you've been drinking, call a taxi or car-sharing service for a ride like Uber or Lyft.
- Never get in a car with a driver who has been drinking.
- If you can safely do so, protect others by taking their keys if they attempt to drive after consuming alcohol. They may be mad at you, but the alternative is much worse.
- Set your playlist, podcast, safety features, before you drive.
- Set the GPS and review directions before driving.
- Allow plenty of travel time.
- Prepare children with everything they need before driving.
- Do not text, use apps, or check social.
- Don’t groom yourself.
- Always keep two hands on the wheel.
- Avoid eating and drinking while driving.
- Keep your eyes on the road.
Key Message: Life is not a race: it’s worth more than time
Statistics
- Over the past two years, approximately 30% of fatal collisions were related to speeding.
- In 2023, speeding continued to be the top traffic violation in the Region.
- Over 18,000 speeding charges were issued, representing more than 80% of all traffic offences issued.
Safety tips
- Use cruise control: Set your speed with cruise control, especially on long drives, but turn it off in risky conditions.
- Allow extra time: Build time into your schedule to avoid speeding due to being late.
- Check speedometer: Ensure your speedometer is accurate by getting it checked regularly.
- Know speeding costs: Understand legal fees and increased fuel costs from speeding.
- Monitor tires: Driving fast wears out tires quicker; keep them in good condition.
- Identify triggers: Recognize and manage factors that make you speed, like stress or fatigue.
- Practice calming exercises: Use breathing techniques and calming music to reduce driving stress.
- Use technology: Leverage navigation apps with speed alerts to help you stay within limits.