pedestrians

Thursday November 2, 2017

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday November 2, 2017

Ontario MPP proposes law to fine distracted pedestrians

A new private member’s bill that would see distracted pedestrians fined up to $50 for crossing the road while using their smartphones was unveiled at Ontario’s Legislature on Monday.

The “Phones Down, Heads Up Act” will be introduced by Toronto MPP Yvan Baker, with a debate set for next March. The representative for Etobicoke Centre, in the city’s west end, said he was prompted to draft the legislation after his constituents raised concerns about the number of pedestrian deaths in Toronto.

In 2016, 42 pedestrians were killed on the city’s streets, the most since 2002.

Baker’s bill would ban people from looking at their phones or electronic devices when crossing roads, with an initial $50 fine for the first offence, $75 for the second and up to $125 for the third. Exceptions would include pedestrians making an emergency call or if they began speaking on the phone before stepping into the crosswalk.

“These fines are modest and are meant to act as a deterrent,” Baker said during a news conference Monday morning. He was joined by Brian Patterson, chief executive of the Ontario Safety League, a group whose work includes pedestrian advocacy. The organization is endorsing the bill.

The legislation would also mandate a ministry of transportation-led annual distracting driving awareness campaign, with a focus on texting and driving.

“This bill is about raising awareness about risky behaviour because limiting that behaviour will save lives,” Baker said. (Source: CBC News) 

 

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)