The role of accountability in pedestrian safety

Presented by: Marguerite Holland

It was a snowy night in December and I was waiting to cross the road at the intersection of Carlaw and Danforth, in Toronto’s east end. The walk signal lit up and I started crossing the road, while keeping my eye on the only vehicle that was signaling left – a large, industrial white van. The van was not in motion, so I assumed the driver was waiting for me to cross. But as

I reached the middle of the intersection, the van suddenly sped up and began turning, its trajectory aiming directly at me. I was able to jump out of its way just in time, but I barely avoided being knocked over. The van was so close to me that I could see inside the driver’s window, and I realized he was texting. I yelled at him to watch out, alongside some colourful language. He slammed on his breaks and looked up at me in surprise. He hadn’t even seen me at all.

Hi I’m Marguerite, and I’m sure that every Torontonian has a story similar to mine – a story of a close call on the streets that leaves you with a racing pulse and enhanced perspective. Since I was raised on a farm in rural Ontario, and spent years living in Halifax-a very pedestrian-friendly city-I was initially shocked by Toronto’s traffic culture and the numerous reports of pedestrian injuries in the city. My name is Marguerite Holland, and I am a corporate communications and public relations student who wants to see the City of Toronto and Torontonians come together to tackle the growing concern for pedestrian safety.

In 2016, The Toronto Star reported that 43 pedestrians died in the city after being struck by vehicles; the highest number in over a decade. A road safety plan was implemented following the release of this data, and some measures like speed reductions and school safety zones were created. However, The Toronto Star then reported in 2017 that there were over 1,600 pedestrian collisions that year alongside 42 deaths, showing virtually no improvement in numbers. Also, in both years the majority of pedestrians involved in collisions were over the age of 55. These troubling numbers contrast greatly with other cities in Canada. For example, in 2016 Halifax had zero pedestrian deaths, and Calgary’s pedestrian deaths fell by 80 per cent in 2017. Both cities amped up their safety strategies, and launched successful public awareness campaigns.

Mayor Tory has claimed that Toronto’s startling statistics on pedestrian safety indicate a crisis, and that he and city council are committed to reducing the number of pedestrian collision level to zero within five years. So why does the data show us that pedestrian safety is still not improving?

To me, it is clear that the root of this issue lies in a lack of accountability on the part of many, especially drivers. Drivers today are going too fast, and are too distracted by technology. There are also an increasing number of reports of drivers fleeing the scene of accidents, leaving their victims and their empathy behind in the rearview window. But it is not just drivers who must slow down, pay attention and take accountability for pedestrian safety. Pedestrians themselves must do their part. I think almost everyone in this room can admit to jaywalking in Toronto.

This practice is extremely unsafe and a poor example to set for others, especially children who often copy behavior. We as pedestrians must take responsibility for our actions.

Finally, the city of Toronto must also take accountability for the way in which it has addressed this preventable problem. More action needs to be taken, more money spent, to ensure Torontonians are safe while crossing the road. There needs to be a significant increase in crosswalks so pedestrians are not jutting into traffic at random intervals.A public awareness campaign should be organized and communicated, so Torontonians understand the gravity of this serious situation. Walk times should be extended at lights, in an effort to give seniors ample time to cross the road, Drivers going too fast should face harsher penalties, texting and driving should be more strictly enforced, and more traffic cameras should be installed to increase the chances of catching drivers who flee the scene of an accident.

In conclusion, everyone must do their part in taking accountability for the high number of pedestrian collisions in Toronto. A new mentality of safety is needed, and we must adopt a more tolerant traffic culture, to ensure that Toronto does not become more unsafe for those of us on the sidewalks.

Thank you for your attention.