As the clocks go back an hour for daylight time on Sunday, drivers, pedestrians and cyclists are being reminded to take extra care to be alert and visible.
Typically, the month of November has the highest number of pedestrian-involved collisions, likely due to less number of daylight hours, according the Region of York and York Regional Police.
To increase road safety, motorists should:
- Avoid distractions and be aware of pedestrians and cyclists
- Drive according to conditions
- Ensure windshield wiper fluid is full and wipers are functioning properly
- Make sure headlights are on when daylight is fading and it is dark
- Avoid wearing dark clothing at night
- Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips and walk with a flashlight to be more visible to motorists
- Cross streets at designated crosswalks or intersections
- Avoid distractions and make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street
- Have a white light at the front of their bicycle and a flashing red LED rear light
- Wear light-coloured clothing
- Wear a safety vest or jacket with reflective material
- Wear a strobe light on your arm
The Region and York police are holding a road safety event Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the intersection of McCowan Road and Highway in Markham, to remind drivers, pedestrians and cyclists the importance of being alert and visible as standard time returns on Sunday, Nov. 3.
Police will be conducting radar surveillance and joining York Region staff in reminding motorists about the importance of being alert and watching for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as speaking to pedestrians and cyclists of the importance of being visible as daylight fades and it becomes dark.
