City of Toronto launches campaign to warn road users of reduced visibility ahead of time change

Toronto.ca
Nov. 4, 2022

With daylight saving time coming to an end this Sunday, November 6 at 2 a.m., the City of Toronto is urging all road users to stay alert, look out for each other and obey the rules of the road.

The return to standard time means fewer daylight hours and reduced visibility for all road users in the evening. In Toronto, pedestrian collisions increase by more than 30 per cent during the evening commute hours from November to March.

To draw attention to the increased risks people face when walking and cycling, the City has launched a public education campaign promoting road safety as reduced daylight hours begin. The campaign intends to remind Torontonians -- especially when driving -- to be aware of other road users as they share the city’s streets.

Residents can expect to see the campaign featured on billboards, in transit shelters, on radio, and in print and social media ads until December 18. The campaign will also appear in high-volume parking garages throughout the city.

When visibility is reduced, people and objects on the road are harder to see. The City is asking drivers to follow these important safety tips, particularly after daylight saving time ends on November 6:

• When driving, please slow down, turn slowly and look for other road users. Always stay alert.
• Make sure vehicle headlights and signal lights are functioning properly.
• Obey speed limits and approach all crosswalks, intersections and transit stops with caution.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get wherever you are going and plan your route in advance.
• More information is available on the campaign’s webpage.

The Toronto Police Service (TPS) has launched the “Stay Focused, Stay Safe” safety education campaign until Sunday, November 13. The first week of the campaign will focus on the risks associated with the end of daylight saving time and the second week will focus on “The Big Four” driver behaviours known to cause traffic-related injuries: speeding, aggressive driving, distracted driving and impaired driving. More information is available on the TPS Media Centre webpage Opens in new window.

The Vision Zero Road Safety Plan is a comprehensive action plan that aims to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on Toronto’s streets. With more than 50 safety measures across seven emphasis areas, the plan prioritizes the safety of Toronto’s most vulnerable road users: schoolchildren, older adults, pedestrians and people cycling. More information on Vision Zero programs and initiatives is available at Toronto.ca/VisionZero.

Quote:

“As the days get shorter and visibility is reduced in the evening, it’s critically important for Toronto drivers to be aware of other road users, especially those most vulnerable such as pedestrians and people cycling. We want everyone to be safe on our roads and I look forward to seeing this campaign’s essential message shared across the city.”
-- Mayor John Tory