New Crosswalk Rules Designed to Increase Safety
THUNDER BAY – New rules for crosswalks are coming in Ontario. Based on the number of vehicle – pedestrian accidents in Thunder Bay recently, the new rules couldn’t come at a better time.
Starting January 1st, 2016, drivers (including cyclists) must stop and yield the whole roadway at:
- pedestrian crossovers; and,
- at school crossings where there is a crossing guard displaying a school crossing stop sign.
These rules apply at pedestrian crossovers identified with specific signs, road markings and lights – the new rules do not apply to pedestrian crosswalks at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals, unless a school crossing guard is present.
The new law, part of Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act, also provides municipal road authorities the ability to install new types of pedestrian crossovers on low speed, low volume roads in addition to the existing crossovers.
It is up to both drivers and pedestrians to keep everyone safe on Ontario roads. Learn more about how to stay safe as a pedestrian and as a driver.
For pedestrians
It is up to both drivers and pedestrians to keep everyone safe on Ontario roads. Learn more about how to stay safe as a pedestrian and as a driver.
- Cross only at marked crosswalks or traffic lights. Don’t cross in the middle of the block or between parked cars.
- Make sure drivers see you before you cross. If the driver is stopped, make eye contact before you step into the road.
- Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, especially at dusk or when it’s dark.
- At a traffic light:
- Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop.
- Cross at the start of a green light.
- Don’t cross once the “Don’t Walk” signal starts to flash or the light turns yellow.
- Never cross on a red light.
- Watch for traffic turning at intersections or turning into and leaving driveways.
For drivers
Pay special attention to pedestrians as you drive. Here are some tips to follow:
- Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning.
- Watch for children. Drive slowly and cautiously through school zones, residential areas, or any other area where children could be walking or playing.
- Watch out for Community Safety Zone signs that indicate areas where there is a special risk to pedestrians.
- Be patient, especially with seniors or pedestrians with disabilities who need more time to cross the road.
- Drive carefully near streetcar stops with islands or zones for passengers getting on and off. Pass them at reasonable speeds, and always be ready in case pedestrians make sudden or unexpected moves.
Fines
Drivers will be fined $150 to $500 and 3 demerit points for offences at pedestrian crossings, school crossings and at crosswalks where there are traffic signals. The maximum fine for running a red light – a practice that puts pedestrians at risk – is $200 to $1000.
Fines are doubled in Community Safety Zones, near schools and public areas. These areas are clearly marked with signs.
