jay walking

March 17, 2001

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator Ð March 17, 2001 Crackdown on Agressive Walking More than 40 pedestrians have died in traffic accidents in Hamilton in the past six years. Last year alone, 470 people were hit by cars. Of the eight who died, three were to blame for the accident. Police are now gearing up to catch law-breaking pedestrians and aggressive drivers in May as part of the annual road safety blitz. "People walk out whenever they feel like it," said Hamilton Constable John Rusnak. "It only takes about 40 seconds for the light to change. It's certainly worth life and limb to wait." About six Hamilton pedestrians die in traffic accidents every year -- a total of 43 since 1995. The May jaywalking blitz will focus on three of Hamilton's worst intersections: King Street East and Wellington Street, Barton Street East and Kenora Avenue, and Ogilvie Street and Governor's Road. Anyone caught disobeying the signals or failing to use the crosswalk could face a fine of up to $40. Under the Highway Traffic Act, a person can be charged with failing to use the designated crosswalk if they are within 100 metres of the crosswalk. "We're just saying: 'Listen --cross the proper way,'" Rusnak said. "We want to reduce the number of people struck on our streets." (Source: Hamilton Spectator) Hamilton, car culture, pedestrians, walking, traffic, enforcement, auto, streets, safety, policing, jay walking

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – March 17, 2001

Crackdown on Agressive Walking

More than 40 pedestrians have died in traffic accidents in Hamilton in the past six years.

Last year alone, 470 people were hit by cars. Of the eight who died, three were to blame for the accident.

Police are now gearing up to catch law-breaking pedestrians and aggressive drivers in May as part of the annual road safety blitz.

“People walk out whenever they feel like it,” said Hamilton Constable John Rusnak. “It only takes about 40 seconds for the light to change. It’s certainly worth life and limb to wait.”

About six Hamilton pedestrians die in traffic accidents every year — a total of 43 since 1995. The May jaywalking blitz will focus on three of Hamilton’s worst intersections: King Street East and Wellington Street, Barton Street East and Kenora Avenue, and Ogilvie Street and Governor’s Road.

Anyone caught disobeying the signals or failing to use the crosswalk could face a fine of up to $40.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, a person can be charged with failing to use the designated crosswalk if they are within 100 metres of the crosswalk.

“We’re just saying: ‘Listen –cross the proper way,'” Rusnak said. “We want to reduce the number of people struck on our streets.” (Source: Hamilton Spectator)