Montréal, October 11, 2011 - The SPVM pedestrian road safety campaign has now been launched. Throughout the month of October, police officers from your neighbourhood station will be conducting awareness-raising activities and interventions with pedestrians and motorists.  

Fall is a crucial time for pedestrian safety as the daylight hours decrease. Drivers and pedestrians are urged to be particularly vigilant and obey the signs. Pedestrians should cross the street at an intersection and wear conspicuous clothing to avoid a collision.

More than 50% of pedestrian deaths occur between October and December. Ten of last year’s 18 pedestrian fatalities occurred during these three months. The SPVM therefore intends to maintain and strengthen its awareness-raising efforts and police interventions, with their deterrent effect on individuals who engage in risky behaviours, to improve the road safety record.

We also want to raise awareness among people over 55 years of age, who represent 72% of pedestrian deaths. We are pleased to be able to count on the cooperation of the Quebec Association of Pharmacy Owners in our efforts to sensitize this demographic group. Safety tip leaflets will be distributed to seniors via pharmacies on the island of Montréal.

As a friendly reminder, the public is asked to pay special attention to the following rules:

Pedestrians:

• Cross at intersections or at a nearby crosswalk.
• Obey traffic lights and pedestrian signals at intersections.
• Before you step into a yellow crosswalk that is not regulated by traffic lights, make sure you can cross all the way safely.

Drivers:

• At a red light, stop before the crosswalk, the stop line or the near side of the intersecting roadway.
• At a green light, pedestrians have the right of way if you are turning, so let them cross first.
• At green arrows, yield to pedestrians who have already entered the crosswalk.
• At crosswalks, stop to allow pedestrians to cross safely: they have the right of way.
• Don't stop in an intersection, or on a crosswalk, or less than 5 metres from a crosswalk.

 Road safety assessment - Pedestrians

From January 1st to September 1st, 2011

Source : SAAQ – September 12, 2011

INSTRUCTIONS TO BE THE PERFECT PEDESTRIAN

	Use pedestrian crossings or cross at the nearest intersection.
	If there are only TRAFFIC LIGHTS, you have the right-of-way on the green light.
	If there are stop signs, pedestrians take precedence over motorists.
	If there are both traffic lights and pedestrian crossing lights, respect those designated for pedestrians.
	The numerical countdown indicates the time allocated to cross.
	When the figure appears, you can cross after having looked both directions for traffic.
	When the orange hand appears, do not cross. If the hand or figure starts to flash, do not cross. If you are on the roadway already, cross quickly.
	Cross in the passage marked by two white lines or white lines.

RESPECT SIGNALS

Violation of pedestrian law is punishable by a $37 fine
 

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