Toronto police warn of increase in pedestrian-involved collisions

Toronto Police are growing increasingly concerned about pedestrian safety in the city.

The latest stats from police show that from January 1 to February 13, there were 182 instances where pedestrians were hit by vehicles, a 54 per cent increase from last year.

On average, four people have been hit by a vehicle every single day.

“It is a high number, and it is a cause for concern,” says Sgt. Sean Shapiro with Traffic Services. “We want to send a message to pedestrians, cyclists and drivers that we need to be focused on safety.”

Sgt. Shapiro adds that above average temperatures may be playing a role in the uptick, but the weather isn’t the only culprit.

“People are either darting across the roads, because it’s not specifically illegal but it is dangerous, and they are not using signalized intersections,” he explained. “Also, cars thinking they can make it to things, go a litter faster than they should be going or they feel more confident sneaking a check on their email. All of these things are dangerous.”

Advocates agree the warmer weather may be a factor, but also argue that Toronto’s infrastructure isn’t kind to those on foot. Lee Scott with pedestrian safety group Walk Toronto says they’ve been calling for the city to reduce speeds on arterial roads, particularly on the Lakeshore where she lives.

“We’re just barely getting started on complete streets which include bike lanes, which act as a buffer and slow cars down as they are coming around the corners.”

Scott adds there’s much more the city could be doing financially to protect pedestrians.

“Wherever we can build complete streets as soon as possible is ideal and lowering that speed limit and bringing whatever technology we need in to lower the speed limit.”

Toronto Police encourage pedestrians to wear bright clothing when it’s dark, lowering the volume on airpods, and using signalized intersections before crossing the streets. Scott also adds that other road users, in particular motorists, have a duty to be more cautious of pedestrians.