Operation Safe Driver Week July 9-15, 2023
FROM/DE: Southern Georgian Bay Detachment DATE: July 10, 2023
OPP Urge Drivers and Pedestrians to be More Cautious at Intersections
(MIDLAND,ON)- During Operation Safe Driver Week July 9-15, 2023, members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to take this opportunity to raise the importance of motorists and pedestrians to be mindful of their actions where there are pedestrian crosswalks at intersections.
When a motor vehicle strikes a pedestrian there is a high chance of significant injury or worse so knowing when to cross the intersection for pedestrians and when to yield for motorists making turns in the intersection is most important. Pedestrians may cross the intersection on the "walk" signal by a cross walk signal or by a "green light" the intersection traffic control lights. In all cases the pedestrian needs to be aware of the proximity of an approaching vehicle and its ability to stop prior to the pedestrian stepping off the curb to cross. It is a requirement for motorists to yield to pedestrians and to be watchful for those pedestrians who have the "walk signal" from a cross walk signal.
Motorists should be mindful of a pedestrian's ability to cross the road such as apparent age/disabilities/weather conditions along with keeping your vehicles windows clear of obstructions (interior & exterior) along with double checking your vehicles blind spots while in an intersection would be most helpful in preventing a pedestrian/vehicle mishap.
For more information please view the following Ministry of Transportation link - https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-ministry-transportation-mto-bus-handbook/sharing-road#section-4 and https://www.ontario.ca/page/pedestrian-safety#section-0
-30-
Provincial Constable David Hobson
Media Officer
705-733-5440