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2017 Vision Zero Road Safety Plan

The document outlines Toronto's Road Safety Plan for 2017-2021, which aims to achieve Vision Zero by eliminating traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. The plan will implement over 50 measures across engineering, enforcement, technology, and education to improve road safety, focusing on protecting vulnerable groups. Key strategies include lowering speed limits in safety zones, road and intersection design improvements, enforcement, and public education. The goal is to make Toronto's streets safer for all users through collaboration between government agencies and community stakeholders.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
2K views

2017 Vision Zero Road Safety Plan

The document outlines Toronto's Road Safety Plan for 2017-2021, which aims to achieve Vision Zero by eliminating traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. The plan will implement over 50 measures across engineering, enforcement, technology, and education to improve road safety, focusing on protecting vulnerable groups. Key strategies include lowering speed limits in safety zones, road and intersection design improvements, enforcement, and public education. The goal is to make Toronto's streets safer for all users through collaboration between government agencies and community stakeholders.

Uploaded by

jayerobinson
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 60

2017-2021 | TORONTO’S ROAD SAFETY PLAN

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
CITY OF TORONTO
2017-2021 | TORONTO’S ROAD SAFETY PLAN
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

MAYOR, CITY OF TORONTO

As our city grows, helping people move Together, we will implement a variety of road safety measures from
around quickly and efficiently is vital to our engineering and enforcement to education and technological
success and our continued quality of life. enhancements. We will work to protect our most vulnerable road
We need people to be able to get where users including seniors and children and engage the public in
they need to go, by road, by transit, by foot combatting this unnecessary and tragic loss of life.
and by bike.
When it comes to road safety, I have an important role to play, but so
But most importantly, we need everyone to do you. We can all do our part to keep each other safe and to reduce
get to their destinations safely. the number of collisions that occur across Toronto. So please: slow
down, avoid distractions and obey the rules of the road. Let’s keep
As Mayor of the City of Toronto, I have a each other safe.
responsibility to keep everyone safe. And
that means combatting the deaths and injuries that are happening on
our roads, in every part of our city and for a variety of reasons.

Through Toronto’s first Road Safety Plan, our city has committed to
Vision Zero – an acknowledgement that deaths and serious injuries on
our roads are preventable and unacceptable and a goal to eliminate
them completely. John Tory
Mayor, City of Toronto
The City of Toronto will work collaboratively with partnering agencies to
ensure that people can travel safely and comfortably around the city as
pedestrians, cyclists, transit users and drivers.
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

CHIEF OF POLICE, TORONTO POLICE SERVICE

Toronto’s Vision Zero Plan is a strategic, Together, we will achieve the goal of Vision Zero though the many
five year (2017-2021) action plan that is partnerships and shared resources of everyone involved.
data-driven and collaborative focusing on
over 50 measures across 4 major pillars –
engineering, enforcement, technology and
education. Sincerely,

The Toronto Police Service is a partner in


this effort and continues working to make
sure your travels are safe ones by supporting
these new initiatives and focusing on long Mark Saunders, O.O.M.
term strategies to reduce the number of Chief of Police
collisions and fatalities occurring in the City of Toronto. Toronto Police Service

These initiatives are driven to be specific, measurable, attainable


relevant and timely. Vision Zero will become a reality through hard work
and the support from you in the community.

The members of the Toronto Police Service are committed to you, and
will continue to work hard each and every day doing our part to make
your community a safe one, with fundamental message that fatalities
and serious injuries on our roads are preventable and we must strive to
reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries to ZERO.
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

CHAIR, PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE

Each and every life lost on our streets is one Pedestrian Safety Corridors and Senior Safety Zones with lower speed
too many. limits to physical modifications at intersections.

In early 2015, as the newly appointed Improved designs of roadways and intersections are already underway
Chair of Public Works and Infrastructure, in Toronto, and the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan is going to build on,
I spearheaded the development of a complement and expand these efforts as we develop site-specific
comprehensive and city-wide Vision Zero solutions to address changing realities in our city, including a growing
Plan for Toronto. population of seniors.

I was and remain committed to ensuring City Council’s recent adoption of the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan is
that Torontonians are safe as they move the first step to safer streets. As we move forward with putting into
around our incredible city – whether they be action the safety improvements outlined in the pages before you,
pedestrians, cyclists, transit users or drivers. neighbourhoods and communities will continue to be our touchstone.
The City has committed to establishing a Road Safety Committee and
For the first time in our city’s history, we have an ambitious and bringing together various city divisions, external organizations and
aggressive plan to make our streets safer for all who use them. advocacy and community groups as we work towards our Vision Zero
goal.
The City of Toronto is committed to Vision Zero and accepts its
fundamental message: fatalities and serious injuries on our roads are Together, we can – and will – ensure the safety and well-being of
preventable, and we must strive to reduce traffic-related deaths and Torontonians on our streets.
injuries to zero.

With over 50 measures across four major pillars – engineering,


enforcement, technology and education – Toronto’s Vision Zero Road
Safety Plan is strategic, data-driven and collaborative.
Jaye Robinson
The Plan prioritizes the safety of pedestrians, statistically our most Chair of Public Works and Infrastructure,
vulnerable road users, through a range of initiatives from the creation of City Councillor, Ward 25 – Don Valley West
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

GENERAL MANAGER, TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

As the new General Manager of timing, adding accessible signals and design improvements that reduce
Transportation Services, I strongly support crossing distances and slow the speed of turning vehicles.
and am committed to advancing the
Vision Zero Road Safety Plan launched Key to our success will be the strength of our partnerships. Through
by Mayor Tory and Councillor Robinson. collaboration with other agencies, orders of government, stakeholder
Improvements in how we design our streets, groups and members of the public we will continue to develop new
enforce traffic laws and educate our road solutions and identify emerging concerns to effectively improve the
users can dramatically improve safety and safety of our transportation system.
are proving effective in cities across the
globe. The Vision Zero Road Safety Plan The Vision Zero Road Safety Plan is just the beginning – I am dedicated
represents our commitment as City builders to making continuous improvements and always striving for safer roads
and policy-makers to investing in safety in Toronto. I also ask for your commitment to help us achieve Vision
measures that will save lives and reduce serious injuries. Zero by following the rules of the road, no matter how you’re travelling.
Be predictable and look out for each other. And remember that the
The Vision Zero Road Safety Plan is a bold pledge to improve safety decisions you make on the road today can have life altering effects on
across our city using a data-driven and targeted approach, focusing you and our community as a whole.
on the locations where improvements are most needed. The Plan
addresses safety for the most vulnerable users of our transportation
system—pedestrians, school children, older adults and cyclists. Based
on what we know about the factors that contribute to serious injury and
fatality crashes, the plan will also focus on aggressive and distracted
driving, and safety for motorcyclists.
Barbara Gray
In 2017, you will see changes in neighbourhoods across the city General Manager of Transportation Services
including new Senior Safety Zones, enforcement and education tools City of Toronto
that address speeding along corridors and in spot locations, filling in
missing sidewalk links, installing protected bicycle lanes, adding more
red light cameras, improving crossings at intersections through signal
TABLE OF CONTENTS
08 INTRODUCTION
16 TAKING ACTION
22 ACTION PLAN
24 PEDESTRIANS
30 SCHOOL CHILDREN
35 OLDER ADULTS
40 CYCLISTS
46 MOTORCYCLISTS
50 AGGRESSIVE DRIVING AND DISTRACTION
56 CONCLUSION
10
INTRODUCTION
10 TORONTO AND ROAD SAFETY
13 VISION ZERO PHILOSOPHY
13 VISION ZERO - SHIFTING THE FOCUS
14 WHY NOW?

11
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

INTRODUCTION
TORONTO AND ROAD SAFETY
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the fourth largest city in North FATALITY COLLISION RATE FOR
America, with over 2.8 million people who call it home. Toronto’s diverse TEN LARGEST CITIES IN NORTH AMERICA
economy hosts nearly 1.6 million jobs, and generates 10% of Canada’s
CHICAGO 1.29 PHILADELPHIA 2.44
gross domestic product. On a typical weekday, residents and visitors make
over three million trips to destinations in the city. Toronto’s streets play a NEW YORK 1.47 HOUSTON 2.68
role in all of these trips. SAN JOSE 2.17 DALLAS 3.20

Toronto’s streets are vibrant and include a mix of activities across the SAN DIEGO 2.32 SAN ANTONIO 3.69
entire right-of-way. Sidewalks are host to pedestrians, sidewalk cafés, LOS ANGELES 2.44 PHOENIX 4.36
transit shelters, street trees, bicycle parking and utilities such as fire
TORONTO 1.82
hydrants and poles, just to name a few. The roadway is a place where
automobiles, buses, streetcars, and cyclists travel, but it’s also the place Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Traffic Safety Facts 2014, Rate per
100,000 Population
where street festivals, parades, parking, and major utility work takes place.

Whether you’re a cyclist, driver or pedestrian, you rely on our roads


and transportation infrastructure to get you safely to your destination.
Balancing the needs and safety of all road users is a difficult task, but it’s
also something that Toronto has been excelling at.

Transportation Services has focused on road safety for many years through
a variety of initiatives. Compared to the top 10 largest North American
cities, Toronto’s fatality rate is among the lowest, however, it is important
that we continue to make advancements in road safety so that as more
and more people use our system, we can continue to improve upon the
safety of all of our road users.

12
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

Quick Street Facts

2.8 MILLION 3 MILLION


PEOPLE MOVE ABOUT
1.6 MILLION
PEOPLE WORK IN TORONTO
PEOPLE CALL TORONTO HOME TORONTO EVERYDAY

900 km 26,300
CYCLE NETWORK INTERSECTIONS
5,600 km
OF ROAD 480 970
PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVERS BRIDGES AND CULVERTS
8,000 km
OF SIDEWALKS
2,300 1 MILLION
130 km TRAFFIC SIGNALS TRAFFIC SIGNS
OF EXPRESSWAY
9,500
STREETS

13
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

How do Torontonians get around on our streets?


Source: 2011 Transportation Tomorrow Survey

NORTH YORK
65% 26% 9%

ETOBICOKE YORK
70% 20% 10%

SCARBOROUGH
65% 25% 10%

TORONTO & EAST YORK


32% 37% 31%

14
VISION ZERO PHILOSOPHY VISION ZERO - SHIFTING THE FOCUS
The Vision Zero approach to road safety is to eliminate fatalities and Historically, road safety analyses focused on a reduction in all collisions
serious injuries in our transportation system, because no loss of life is including less serious collision types such as property-damage-only
acceptable. A Vision Zero approach is based on the principle that people collisions. In contrast, Vision Zero plans focus on reducing the collisions
make mistakes and the transportation system needs to be designed that result in death and serious injuries (injuries where a person is
and operated in a way that caters to human error in order to eliminate admitted to a hospital), called “killed and seriously injured” or KSI
fatalities and serious injuries. collisions.

Vision Zero began in Sweden in 1997. Since then, Sweden has seen The Vision Zero Road Safety Plan also looks at KSI collisions to identify
significant decreases in traffic-related deaths. Anticipating that people areas of concern and measure our progress. KSI collisions involving
will make mistakes, Sweden’s “safe system” approach prioritizes safety by vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists
creating safe roads, slowing speeds, improving vehicle design, educating are disproportionately higher than all other modes of transportation and
people and enforcing laws to support safer behaviour on the roads. accounted for 74% of all KSI collisions in Toronto over the last five years.
A switch to a KSI approach is beneficial because it places a greater
Based on Sweden’s success, numerous cities have adopted similar emphasis on vulnerable road users and recognizes that the factors and
policies in order to create thriving, safe and healthy communities. circumstances that differentiate a fatal collision from a serious injury are
Through Toronto’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, we commit to working often marginal.
together to eliminate traffic deaths and make our streets safe for
everyone in the City, no matter where you live and how you choose to
travel.

15
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

How are Torontonians killed or seriously injured (KSI) on our streets?


Source: Toronto Police Services

45% are killed or


seriously injured on
foot
31% are killed or
seriously injured in
cars
14% are killed or
seriously injured on
bikes
10% are killed or
seriously injured on
motorcycles

WHY NOW?
Transportation Services continuously makes improvements that have Deaths and serious injuries are not inevitable. They are preventable.
proven to be effective in addressing road safety. However, despite the fact It is estimated that approximately 90 per cent of traffic-related collisions
that overall traffic collisions in Toronto have been stable for over a decade, involve human error. Drivers of motorized vehicles have an elevated
we have seen a recent increase in traffic-related fatalities - most notably responsibility for driving carefully as motor vehicles are the predominant
pedestrians, cyclists and older adults. This trend has emphasized the cause of fatalities and serious injuries. However, all road users have a
need for a comprehensive and coordinated road safety strategy that will role to play when Vision Zero is the goal. In addition to the engineering
further protect vulnerable road users and reduce the number of collisions improvements, educational campaigns and enforcement strategies
resulting in death and serious injury. proposed in the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, achieving the Vision Zero
goal will also require actions everyone can take – as drivers, cyclists or
pedestrians – to reduce the risk of fatal and serious injury collisions.

16
Total Traffic Fatalities in Toronto, Jan. 1, 2005 - Dec. 31, 2016

77
Motorcycles | Cyclists | Pedestrians | Motor Vehicles | Total

65
63
27
57
12 15
52 51 51
48
18 45 44
16 42 14
19
18 12 35 11
19 40 39
13 43
30
29 24 31
23 27 31
20 18
3 4 4 1
3
3 3 2 2 3
6 1 1 2 2 6 7 7 6
4 4 3 1 3
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

2005 - 2012 2013 - 2016

TRAFFIC FATALITIES TRAFFIC FATALITIES


AVERAGED 47 PERSONS AVERAGED 64 PERSONS
KILLED PER YEAR KILLED PER YEAR

REPRESENTING A
10 YEAR HIGH

17
18
TAKING ACTION
18 DEVELOPING THE PLAN
19 IMPLEMENTATION
20 HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE ZERO?
21 EMPHASIS AREAS

19
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

TAKING ACTION
VISION STATEMENT: DEVELOPING THE PLAN
The Vision Zero Road Safety Plan was developed through data-
The City of Toronto, with the commitment of driven and map-based decision making, leveraging the experience
all partners, aims to eliminate fatalities and of other North American cities that have adopted Vision Zero
strategies and through collaboration with a number of local partners
serious injuries on city streets to create a safe who traditionally support and undertake road safety initiatives
and healthy city. independently.

Data Driven and Map Based Decision Making:


The Vision Zero Road Safety plan is anchored in evidence-based
analysis of traffic collision data that helps to identify the real issues
affecting road safety as seen through long-term trends and location
Data Driven & mapping. This analysis helps us to target where the issues exist and
Map Based prioritize the deployment of the mitigating safety measures.

Leveraging the Experience of Others:


Toronto gained inspiration from the Vision Zero movement that
started in Sweden and looked at the best practices used in other
North American Vision Zero cities to refine the strategy and
adequately assess the level of investment and resources required to
deliver on the plan.
Collaborative Experience of Others
Collaborative Approach:
The Vision Zero Road Safety Plan was developed through a
collaborative approach with the assistance of partner agencies,
external stakeholders and advocacy groups and the public. Their
feedback helped identify key components of the Vision Zero Road
Safety Plan including the emphasis areas.

20
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

IMPLEMENTATION
Over the past two decades, in an effort to continuously improve road The Plan also calls for the creation of a Vision Zero Road Safety
safety in Toronto, there have been many initiatives and safety measures Committee, comprised of representatives from all partner agencies. The
implemented by the various partner agencies. The Plan was developed committee will meet quarterly to provide updates, review progress, re-
in collaboration with the agencies below, all of which have declared assess priorities, plan future actions and discuss and resolve issues.
their commitment to sharing responsibility and lending support to the
Plan, including leading implementation and knowledge sharing. These
partner agencies include Toronto Police Service, Toronto Public Health,
the Disability, Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, CARP (formerly
the Canadian Association of Retired Persons), the Canadian Automobile
Association (CAA), Cycle Toronto, Walk Toronto, Toronto District
School Board (TDSB), Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB),
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the Rider Training Institute and the
Toronto Centre for Active Transportation.

21
HOW WILL WE ACHIEVE VISION ZERO?
Vision Zero is a long-term strategy. Making changes to infrastructure and traffic-safety culture takes time. However, we will get there through
improvements to Engineering, Education, Technology and Enforcement.

Engineering Safety Measures target the design and operation Technological Safety Measures will employ technical solutions
of city streets to prevent collisions from occurring while also to improve road safety. Initiatives such as passive detection,
minimizing the impact that human error can have in causing automated enforcement and enhanced data analysis will be
collisions. utilized.

Education Safety Measures will raise awareness and improve Enforcement Activities will be done in collaboration with
the understanding of issues we face and include targeted Toronto Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police. These
interventions. initiatives will continue to build on the most efficient and
effective uses of our limited enforcement resources to improve
road safety.

22
WHAT ARE OUR EMPHASIS AREAS?
The Vision Zero Road Safety Plan identifies and addresses six emphasis areas, which were determined through collision data analysis, public engagement
and Council direction. They include Pedestrians, School Children, Older Adults, Cyclists, Motorcyclists and Aggressive Driving and Distraction.

For each of these emphasis areas, the plan outlines existing, enhanced and new safety measures that includes engineering, education, enforcement and
technology programs and initiatives.
AGGRESSIVE
DRIVING AND
DISTRACTION
CYCLISTS

MOTORCYCLISTS
OLDER
ADULTS
PEDESTRIANS
SCHOOL
CHILDREN

23
24
ACTION PLAN
24 PEDESTRIANS
30 SCHOOL CHILDREN
35 OLDER ADULTS
40 CYCLISTS
46 MOTORCYCLISTS
50 AGGRESSIVE DRIVING AND DISTRACTION

25
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

EMPHASIS AREA 1: PEDESTRIANS


A pedestrian is seriously injured or killed every 3 days on Toronto’s roads.

Pedestrian collisions involve any person that is not riding in a vehicle Between 2005 and 2016, there were 2,172 pedestrians killed or
or on a bicycle. seriously injured in a collision with a motor vehicle.

OF COLLISIONS
26% 18%
OF PEDESTRIANS IN
15%
OF PEDESTRIANS IN THE
Corridors within the city exhibiting high killed or serious injury collisions
will be prioritized and targeted for pedestrian safety improvements
INVOLVING THE LAST 5 YEARS WERE LAST 5 YEARS WERE STRUCK such as speed reductions, shortened crossing distances, no-right-
PEDESTRIANS IN STRUCK BY A VEHICLE WHILE AT A PEDESTRIAN turns on red, advance greens for pedestrians, fully protected left-turns
THE LAST 5 YEARS TURNING LEFT AT AN CROSSOVER
OCCURRED MIDBLOCK INTERSECTION and police enforcement for compliance with traffic rules that affect
pedestrian safety. These measures will improve pedestrian safety by
reducing crossing distances, making the pedestrian crossing more
accessible and reducing vehicle conflicts with pedestrians.
Killed | Seriously Injured | Total KSI

244
215
202 189 189 199 194
215 185 185
185
163 171 169
171 175 154 129 146
158
95
107
98
52*

29 30 22 27 31 20 18 24 40 31 39 43

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Pedestrians Killed in Toronto, January 1, 2005 - December 23, 2016


*Pedestrians Seriously Injured in Toronto, January 1, 2005 - June 1, 2016

26
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27
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

EXISTING SAFETY MEASURES


SPEED LIMIT REDUCTIONS “STAY FOCUSED STAY SAFE” CAMPAIGN
Speed limits have been reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h and in Led by the Toronto Transit Commission, this campaign targets various
some places from 40 km/h to 30 km/h. pedestrian issues such as jaywalking and night time visibility.

PEDESTRIAN COUNTDOWN SIGNALS “STEP UP BE SAFE” CAMPAIGN


Installed at all signalized crossings, the countdown device indicates Developed by the Toronto Police Service, this education and
the number of seconds remaining for a pedestrian to complete a enforcement campaign coincides with Daylight Savings Time and
crossing. focuses on motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who commit offences
near pedestrian crossovers.

PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVER (PXO)


ENHANCEMENTS ENHANCED EXISTING SAFETY MEASURES
Improvements to pedestrian crossovers including the addition of
pavement markings, zebra striping and larger amber beacons were The following existing safety measures will be enhanced, and
made at key locations. are described on the next few pages:

• Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS)


“MARCH BREAK MARCH SAFE” • Annual Sidewalks Capital Program
• Zebra Crossing Pavement Markings
CAMPAIGN • Advance Green for Pedestrians
Organized by the Toronto Police Service, this campaign is designed
to promote the education, awareness and enforcement strategies
intended to heighten awareness of pedestrian safety during March
Break.

28
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

NEW/ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES


PEDESTRIAN SAFETY CORRIDORS PAVEMENT MARKING IMPROVEMENTS
Using a variety of safety measures such as targeted speed limit Standards for pavement markings such as stop bars and crosswalk
reductions, signal timing adjustments and enhanced pedestrian widths will be reviewed. Additional and improved markings will
crosswalk markings (zebra markings), Pedestrian Safety Corridors will provide better guidance of safety hazards to drivers and improved
reduce safety risks for pedestrians. visibility of vulnerable road users.

PEDESTRIAN STREET LIGHTING


IMPROVEMENTS
Working with Toronto Hydro, street lighting will be reviewed at
locations with high pedestrian volumes and areas that are particularly
prone to pedestrian involved collisions for opportunities to improve
street lighting.

ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS
A review of intersections and mid-block crossings will be conducted
to identify locations where new City standards can be implemented.
This will improve accessibility for people with disabilities.

ADVANCE GREEN FOR PEDESTRIANS


Selected intersections will display the pedestrian “walk” signal a
AUTOMATED PEDESTRIAN DETECTION few seconds earlier than the green signal for vehicles, providing
pedestrians a head start into the intersection. This will help to
A study will review the effectiveness and practicality of automated increase pedestrian visibility and reduce the likelihood of left turn
pedestrian detectors. These technologies can be used to optimize collisions with pedestrians.
intersection operations and improve safety by reducing conflicts
between vehicles and pedestrians.

29
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

NEW/ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES


NO RIGHT-TURN-ON-RED PROHIBITION
No right-turn-on-red prohibitions will be implemented at key
locations where right turns on red lights have been found to be a
contributing factor to pedestrian KSI collisions. These restrictions
protect pedestrians within the right-of-way from vehicles making a
right turn across their path.

NEW CORNER RADIUS DESIGN


Using Toronto’s award winning Curb Radii Design Guidelines, key
intersections will be selected for improved corner radii. Smaller
corner radii result in shorter pedestrian crossing distances and times,
and deter drivers from making right turns at higher speeds.

MISSING LINKS SIDEWALK PROGRAM


The existing Missing Links Sidewalk Program will be enhanced with a
policy to install sidewalks in areas that have no sidewalks or sidewalks
on only one side of the road during road reconstruction. Connected
and continuous sidewalks provide a safer and more accessible
walking environment.

ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS (APS) ROAD SAFETY AUDITS AT HIGH-RISK


These devices use audible tones and vibration to advise pedestrians LOCATIONS
with low or no vision when they have the right-of-way to cross.
In areas with high KSI collisions, in-depth safety reviews will be
conducted to identify immediate deficiencies and issues and
determine appropriate short-term and long-term remedial actions.

30
NEW/ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES
LOCAL ROAD PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVER
PILOT
Staff will explore the possibility of introducing new types of
pedestrian crossovers on local roads. Pedestrian crossovers offer
greater protection for pedestrians through standardized pavement
markings, roadside signage and rapid flashing beacons and are
enforceable by police.

REMOVAL OF RIGHT TURN SLIP LANES


ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT STRATEGIES
Intersections with right turn slip lanes exhibiting a history of
pedestrian collisions will be prioritized to have slip lanes removed Police enforcement will focus on locations based on a data driven analysis
and replaced with reduced curb radii. Removal of right turn slip lanes of intersections. Enhanced enforcement will improve safety by promoting
reduces the crossing distance for pedestrians, minimizes conflicts compliance with traffic rules and deterring dangerous behaviours.
between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists and slows vehicles making
right turns.
PEDESTRIAN EDUCATION AND
FORMATION OF VISION ZERO ROAD AWARENESS INITIATIVES
SAFETY COMMITTEE A communications strategy using social media, print media articles,
online videos, bus shelter/TTC advertising and a new Vision Zero website
Representatives from key partner agencies as well as key external will be developed to support pedestrian safety campaigns.
stakeholders and advocacy groups will oversee the roll-out of Vision
Zero and meet to provide updates, review progress, re-assess
priorities and plan future actions.

31
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

EMPHASIS AREA 2: SCHOOL CHILDREN


A child is seriously injured or killed every 17 weeks on their way to or from school on
Toronto’s roads.

School children are pedestrians and cyclists between the ages of 4 Between 2005 and 2016 there were 3 school children killed and 70
and 19 travelling to and from school. seriously injured in a collision with a motor vehicle.

Schools will be identified within a 1 km radius of a killed or serious injury


20 35% 20% collision involving a school child and will be prioritized for an in-depth
SCHOOL CHILDREN OF SCHOOL CHILDREN OF COLLISIONS review to see if there are opportunities for safety improvements such as
WERE STRUCK BY A IN THE LAST 5 YEARS INVOLVING SCHOOL
VEHICLE IN THE LAST WERE STRUCK WHILE AT A CHILDREN IN THE LAST enhanced pavement markings and signage, “Watch Your Speed” driver-
5 YEARS PEDESTRIAN CROSSOVER 5 YEARS HAPPENED feedback signs, police enforcement targeting safety concerns for school
MIDBLOCK
children or other enhanced safety improvements both within the school
zone and along pre-designated active and safe routes to school.
Killed | Seriously Injured | Total KSI

11
10
9
11 8 8
10 9 7
8 6
5
6 4 4
3 3
5 4 4*
3 1 3
2 1
1
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

School Children Killed in Toronto, January 1, 2005 - December 23, 2016


*School Children Seriously Injured in Toronto, January 1, 2005 - June 1, 2016

32
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1:105,000
SCHOOL CHILDREN
(
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KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED


School Children
2010-2016
KSI Collisions from: 2010 to 2016

1 2 3 >=4
Legend
Person Killed
(
! Fatal

Approximate Person KSI

33
1 2 3

Areas of Risk (Kernel Density)


Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

EXISTING SAFETY MEASURES


CAA SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL PROGRAM ENHANCED EXISTING SAFETY MEASURES
This program is aimed at protecting and educating elementary The following existing safety measures will be enhanced, and
school children on safe practices for crossing streets. are described on the next few pages:

• School “Watch Your Speed” Program Driver Feedback Signs


“YOUTH IN CONTROL” (YIC) LEADERSHIP • Adult School Crossing Guard Program
• School Zone Safety Strategy
PROGRAM • School Travel Planning Pilot Initiative
Organized by Toronto Public Health, this peer-based education • Cycling And Pedestrian Safety Curriculum Support
program provides information on safer driving strategies.

BICYCLE HELMET INITIATIVE


Organized by Toronto Public Health, this campaign promotes helmet
use and wheel safety.

34
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

NEW/ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES

CREATION OF “SCHOOL SAFETY ZONES” AUTOMATED ENFORCEMENT


School Safety Zones will be developed and will include a variety of ADVOCACY AND PILOT
measures such as lower speed limits, improved street lighting, leading
pedestrian intervals, mid-block crossings, increased enforcement, Permitting approval from the Province of Ontario, automated speed
improved pavement makings, flashing signage and/or public awareness enforcement will be piloted in School and Community Safety Zones.
campaigns, among other possible improvements. These measures will Priority will be given to school zones with confirmed speeding issues
promote greater attention to and respect for traffic laws. and a prevalence of collisions involving school children.

SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD PROGRAM


In partnership with Toronto Police Service, the adult school crossing
guard program will be reviewed to consider existing warrants and the
use of volunteers to expand the program. Crossing guards donning
protective equipment and a stop paddle provide protection for
children by increasing visibility of pedestrians in a crosswalk.

SCHOOL “WATCH YOUR SPEED”


PROGRAM DRIVER FEEDBACK SIGNS
This initiative will be expanded to include permanent speed display signs
exclusively in school zones. The signs will encourage greater compliance
with lower driving speeds in school zones.
35
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

NEW/ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES


SCHOOL TRAVEL PLANNING (STP) AND EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
ACTIVE AND SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL INITIATIVES
This community-based initiative promotes active transportation during Messaging materials such as colouring books, artwork contests, free
daily commutes to and from school. It brings together community bicycle bells, reflective slap bracelets and zipper pulls with printed
stakeholders to identify travel issues to develop and pilot possible safety messaging will be developed to promote basic skills and safe
solutions. Increasing active transportation in a school zone can reduce behaviours for school-aged children.
vehicular traffic congestion and safety risks around schools.

SCHOOL ZONE REVIEWS AND


ENHANCEMENTS
A review of pick-up/drop-off traffic management programs at schools
will identify and implement potential improvements. The reviews and
corrective actions will reduce risks around schools by ensuring that
the proper traffic control devices are in place and in good condition.

ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT STRATEGIES


Police enforcement will focus on offenses related to pedestrian
crossovers, school zone speed limits, intersections, school crossing
guards, stopped school buses and parking regulations near schools.
Enhanced enforcement will improve safety by promoting compliance
with traffic rules and deterring dangerous road user behaviour.

36
37
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

EMPHASIS AREA 3: OLDER ADULTS


An older adult is seriously injured or killed every 5 days on Toronto’s roads.

Older adults are defined as people over the age of 55. Between 2005 and 2016, there were 869 seniors killed or seriously
injured in a collision with a motor vehicle.

OF COLLISIONS
24% 19%
OF OLDER ADULTS IN
14%
OF OLDER ADULTS IN THE
Special consideration will be given at locations exhibiting killed or
serious injury collisions where there are higher concentrations of senior
INVOLVING AN OLDER THE LAST 5 YEARS WERE LAST 5 YEARS WERE STRUCK pedestrians living and interacting. These areas will be prioritized and
ADULT IN THE LAST STRUCK BY A VEHICLE WHILE AT A PEDESTRIAN
5 YEARS OCCURRED TURNING LEFT AT AN CROSSOVER targeted for speed reductions, increased walk times at traffic signals,
MIDBLOCK INTERSECTION enhanced pavement markings, “Watch Your Speed” driver-feedback
signs and police enforcement for aggressive driving behaviours that
affect senior pedestrians.
Killed | Seriously Injured | Total KSI

93
85 86
78 73 69 72 72 65
65 67
66 72
65 60
56 53
61 38
51 60
50 39 17*

22 28 29 36
19 14 13 15 11 12 17
9
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Older Adults Killed in Toronto, January 1, 2005 - December 23, 2016


*Older Adults Seriously Injured in Toronto, January 1, 2005 - June 1, 2016

38
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39
1 2 >=3

Areas of Risk (Kernel Density)


Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

EXISTING SAFETY MEASURES


iNAVIGAIT CAMPAIGN ENHANCED EXISTING SAFETY MEASURES
Led by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, this pedestrian safety The following existing safety measures will be enhanced, and
program works to ensure the safety of seniors on Toronto’s streets. are described on the next few pages:

• Lower Walking Speeds At Traffic Signals


PRIORITY SNOW REMOVAL PROGRAM • Mid-Block Pedestrian Crossings
• Senior Driving Education Presentations
Seniors over the age of 65 can request snow clearing service for the
sidewalks outside of their home.

TORONTO SENIORS STRATEGY


Focusing on equity, respect, inclusion and quality of life, the Seniors
Strategy identifies specific actions that can be implemented to
improve senior road safety.

BRINGING AN AWARENESS OF SENIOR


SAFETY ISSUES TO THE COMMUNITY
(B.A.S.S.I.C.):
Members of this group deliver safety seminars and symposiums and
produce a safety calendar to improve road safety for seniors.

40
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

NEW/ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES


REDUCED CROSSING DISTANCE
Curb extensions will be installed to reduce crossing distances on local
and collector roads in areas frequented by older adults. Curb extensions
slow down traffic and provide greater visibility for pedestrians.

NEW MID-BLOCK CROSSINGS


Pedestrian crossing warrants will be revised to include standards for
CREATION OF SENIOR SAFETY ZONES a maximum distance between traffic signals and a review of collision
history. New mid-block crossings will be prioritized towards collision
Senior Safety Zones will be developed and will include a variety prone locations and areas frequented by older adults. Mid-block
of measures such as lower speed limits, improved street lighting, crossings provide greater protection for vulnerable road users than
advance green for pedestrians, Watch Your Speed” driver feedback uncontrolled crossings.
signs, red light cameras, sidewalk extensions, additional crossing
opportunities, increased enforcement and improved pavement
markings, among other possible improvements. These measures will
promote greater attention to and respect for traffic laws.
ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT STRATEGIES
Enhanced enforcement will take place in areas frequented by older
adults and will target dangerous driving. Other older adult safety
INCREASED CROSSING TIMES measures such as new mid-block pedestrian crossings will also
receive enforcement support. This will improve safety by promoting
A program will be developed to re-time signals near facilities for compliance with traffic rules and deterring dangerous road user
older adults to allow more time for road crossings. Longer walk signal behaviour.
times reduce the risk of an older adult pedestrian being unable to
finish crossing during a signal cycle.
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
NEW SENIOR CITIZENS STRATEGY INITIATIVES FOR OLDER ADULTS
Public education and training materials such as printed brochures
Led by City Planning, updates to the Senior Citizens Strategy will
and posters, bus shelter advertisements and presentation materials
include the identification of road safety measures that can be
for public health nurses will be developed to build skills, educate and
implemented to improve safety of senior citizens.
raise awareness of the safety risks and leading causes of collisions for
older adults.
41
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

EMPHASIS AREA 4: CYCLISTS


One cyclist is seriously injured or killed in a collision every 8 days on Toronto’s roads.

Cyclist collisions involve a motor vehicle striking a person riding a Between 2005 and 2016, there were 539 cyclists killed or seriously
bicycle. injured in a collision with a motor vehicle.

OF COLLISIONS
16% 15%
OF CYCLISTS IN THE LAST 5
12%
OF CYCLISTS IN THE
In depth reviews will be conducted at locations exhibiting high killed
or serious injury collisions involving cyclists along existing cycle tracks
INVOLVING A CYCLISTS YEARS WERE IN A COLLISION LAST 5 YEARS WERE
to see if there are any opportunities to enhance the existing cycling
IN THE LAST 5 YEARS AT AN INTERSECTION, SIDESWEPT BY A facilitates to improve safety. Such initiatives include the implementation
HAPPENED BY A VEHICLE LANEWAY OR DRIVEWAY VEHICLE
TURNING LEFT ACROSS A of cyclist signals, bike boxes, advance green for cyclists and police
CYCLISTS PATH enforcement targeting behaviours that impact cyclist safety such as
dooring and improper use of bicycle lanes.

68
64
Killed | Seriously Injured | Total KSI

51 51 65 48
60
41 39 40 39 40 40
48 49
44
38 36 38 38 37
38 18
17*

3 3 3 2 1 2 2 3 4 3 4 1
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Cyclists Killed in Toronto, January 1, 2005 - December 23, 2016


*Cyclists Seriously Injured in Toronto, January 1, 2005 - June 1, 2016

42
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Cyclist KSI Collisions from: 2010 to 2016


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Legend
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Approximate Person KSI per Year:

43
1 2 >=3
Areas of Risk (Kernel Density)
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

EXISTING SAFETY MEASURES


GREEN CYCLING AREAS ENHANCED EXISTING SAFETY MEASURES
Green pavement markings installed at or near intersections highlight The following existing safety measures will be enhanced, and
potential conflict areas between cyclists and motor vehicles. are described on the next few pages:

• Automated Cyclist Detection


TORONTO CYCLISTS HANDBOOK • Bike Boxes
• Cycle Tracks
Produced by Cycle Toronto, this handbook teaches inexperienced • Signalized Crossings for Cyclists
cyclists about traffic laws and safe cycling habits.

HELMET SAFETY EDUCATION VIDEOS


Videos provide information about the importance of wearing helmets
in preventing head injuries in cyclists.

SPACE TO CYCLE CAMPAIGN


Led by the Toronto Police Service, this educational campaign targets
motorist and cyclist behaviour that puts cyclists at risk.

“STAY SAFE, STAY BACK” CAMPAIGN


This campaign promotes safer interaction between cyclists
and large trucks.

44
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

NEW/ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES

CYCLE TRACKS ADVANCE GREEN FOR CYCLISTS


In June 2016, Council approved the Ten Year Cycling Network Plan This feature will allow cyclists to proceed through an intersection a
that proposes a significant expansion in the Cycle Track network. few seconds earlier than vehicles in order to increase drivers’ visibility
Cycle tracks are lanes for bicycles that are adjacent to the roadway, of cyclists and reduce the likelihood of bicycle collisions with left
but separated from vehicular traffic. Cycle tracks help improve cyclist turning vehicles.
safety by providing greater separation from cars than traditional bike
lanes.

SIGNALIZED CROSSINGS FOR CYCLISTS


A program will be developed to expand the use of dedicated traffic
signals to facilitate cyclist crossings at intersections and across
roadways. Bicycle signals improve safety for cyclists and provide
direct connections for off-street and on-street cycling infrastructure.

ENHANCED CYCLING FACILITIES


The Ten Year Cycling Network Plan proposes new dedicated and
AUTOMATED CYCLIST DETECTION connected cycling facilities across the city. Additional enhancements
such as pavement markings, signs and bollards will be made to
These technologies can be used to optimize intersection operations existing cycling routes and facilities. Together, the improvements will
and improve safety by reducing the risk of a cyclist being unable to provide greater guidance and protection for cyclists from vehicular
clear an intersection before conflicting vehicular traffic proceeds. traffic.

45
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

NEW/ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES

BIKE BOXES
Bike boxes are used to designate space for cyclists to wait in front
of cars at a red light and to provide the cyclist the opportunity to
proceed first at a green light. Bike boxes make cyclists more visible
and less likely to be stuck squeezing around a right turning vehicle.

ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT STRATEGIES


Police enforcement will focus on driver behaviours that impact cyclist
safety such as dooring and improper use of bicycle lanes on major
cycling corridors and intersections. Enforcement efforts will also focus
on cyclist infractions to improve understanding and compliance with
traffic laws.

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS


INITIATIVES
A communications strategy including public education materials
dedicated to promoting safe cycling and the safe interaction
between cyclists and motorists will be developed.

46
47
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

EMPHASIS AREA 5: MOTORCYCLISTS


One motorcyclist is seriously injured or killed every 8 days on Toronto’s roads.

Motorcyclist collisions include drivers riding on a motorcycle as well Between 2005 and 2016, there were 431 motorcyclists killed or seriously
as passengers riding on a motorcycle or in a sidecar attached to a injured in a collision with a motor vehicle.
motorcycle.
Motorcycle killed or serious injury collisions tend to occur at either

MOTORCYCLISTS
431 24%
OF MOTORCYCLISTS
17
OF THE MOTORCYCLISTS
significant bends or junctions in the road combined with aggressive
riding, distraction and/or impairment. Police enforcement and signs
will be deployed at these locations to warn of hazards unique to the
WERE KILLED OR INVOLVED IN A WHO WERE KILLED AND
SERIOUSLY INJURED COLLISION WERE RIDING SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A motorcycling experience.
IN A COLLISION FROM AGGRESSIVELY IN THE COLLISION FROM 2005-2016
2005-2016 LAST 10 YEARS HAD BEEN DRINKING
Killed | Seriously Injured | Total KSI

48 47 44
42
37 38
35 40 35
30 42
28 31 26 37
41
27 34 36 32 21
24
22
15*

6 6 7 7 6
4 4 3 1 1 2 3
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Motorcyclists Killed in Toronto, January 1, 2005 - December 23, 2016


*Motorcyclists Seriously Injured in Toronto, January 1, 2005 - June 1, 2016

48
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1 2 3 >=4
Legend
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Approximate Person KSI per Year:

49
1 2 >=3
Areas of Risk (Kernel Density)
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

SAFETY MEASURES
EXISTING ROAD SAFETY AUDITS TO INCLUDE
MOTORCYCLIST ISSUES
SPRING MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS A study will be conducted to investigate factors such as pavement
conditions and road geometries and the related safety mitigation
CAMPAIGN measures used by other jurisdictions to review and improve areas
with a history of high motorcyclist collisions. Where feasible, these
Toronto Police conducted a safety awareness campaign targeted at considerations will be added as a requirement for all Road Safety
motorcyclists in Spring to coincide with the start of the motorcycle Audits conducted to include a review of motorcyclist safety issues
season. The campaign focused on equipment safety, rider protection and and improvements.
training.
ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT STRATEGIES
PROJECT E.R.A.S.E Police enforcement will focus on driving behaviours that negatively
impact the safety of motorcyclists as well as aggressive riding
Toronto Police supports the GTA-wide Project E.R.A.S.E. initiative behaviour to deter dangerous driving. Enforcement efforts will
which is an education and enforcement program that aims to reduce improve motorcyclist safety by improving compliance with traffic
illegal street racing, including by participants from the motorcycle rules.
community.
DATA DRIVEN ENFORCEMENT
NEW/ENHANCED STRATEGIES
Police will be provided with reports identifying locations where
there have been relatively higher numbers of motorcyclist collisions
MOTORCYCLE WARNING SIGNS such that they can target their enforcement resources in these areas
towards aggressive motorcycling riding, impairment and distraction.
Working with the Ministry of Transportation and the Rider Training
Institute, road safety signs will be piloted in high-crash locations targeting
the specific risks faced by motorcyclists. This will assist in alerting MOTORCYCLIST EDUCATION AND
motorcyclists of the safety risks and challenges associated with navigating
through certain corridors within the City.
AWARENESS INITIATIVES
In partnership with motorcycle training groups and other
stakeholders, new public education materials will be developed
addressing specific safety issues affecting motorcyclists such as rider
protection, safety equipment and promoting training.
50
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Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

EMPHASIS AREA 6: AGGRESSIVE DRIVING & DISTRACTION


As a result of aggressive driving and distraction, an individual is killed or seriously
injured every 2 days on Toronto’s roads.

Aggressive driving collisions involve a driver that follows too closely, Between 2005 and 2016, aggressive and distracted drivers killed or
exceeds the speed limit, drives too fast for the current conditions, seriously injured a total of 3,051 people. A significant proportion of
disobeys a traffic control, fails to yield the right-of-way, or passes those killed or seriously injured by an aggressive or distracted driver
improperly. Distracted collisions are collisions where any type of road were vulnerable road users (51%), while the driver tended to be
user involved (pedestrian, cyclist, or driver) was inattentive. relatively less likely to be killed or seriously injured (35%).

In depth reviews will be conducted along corridors exhibiting high

OF DRIVERS IN THE
39% 51%
OF THOSE KILLED OR
608
VULNERABLE ROAD
killed or serious injury collisions involving aggressive driving and/or
distraction to determine the possibility of implementing measures such
LAST 5 YEARS FAILED SERIOUSLY INJURED WERE A USERS WERE STRUCK BY
TO YIELD THE RIGHT- VULNERABLE ROAD USERS A VEHICLE IN THE LAST as speed reductions, geometric safety improvements or other traffic
OF-WAY 5 YEARS calming measures. Reports on corridors experiencing higher degrees of
killed or serious injury collisions involving aggressive driving will also be
forwarded to the police for targeted enforcement.

303 295 289


Killed | Seriously Injured | Total KSI

267 278 276


256 265 245
224
208
272 258 258 239
240
264
232 246
230
145
182 187
98*

31 31 24 31 21 15 20 37 26 37 47
25
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Aggressive Driving and Distraction Killed in Toronto, January 1, 2005 - December 23, 2016
*Aggressive Driving and Distraction Seriously Injured in Toronto, January 1, 2005 - June 1, 2016

52
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53
1 2-3 4-6 7-9 >=10
Areas of Risk (Kernel Density)
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

EXISTING SAFETY MEASURES


TRANSPORTATION SAFETY AND LOCAL “PLEASE SLOW DOWN” CAMPAIGN
IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM (TSLIP) This campaign provides residents with free lawn signs to
This program implements minor road improvements and intersection encourage drivers to slow down on residential roads.
design changes to address safety and operational issues.

RED LIGHT CAMERAS


REDUCED SPEED LIMITS
Traffic enforcement cameras that capture an image of a
Speed limits have been reduced from 50 km/h to 40 km/h and in vehicle that has entered an intersection during the red phase
some places from 40 km/h to 30 km/h. of a traffic signal have been installed at priority locations.

AGGRESSIVE DRIVING CAMPAIGN YOU KNOW YOU SHOULDN’T … SO


Led by the Toronto Police Service, this campaign targets speeding, DON’T” GRIDLOCK CAMPAIGN
Highway Traffic Act violations and distracted driving.
A series of YouTube videos addressing a variety of aggressive
driving issues such as making a prohibited turn and blocking
an intersection were developed.
CANADA ROAD SAFETY WEEK
This enforcement-driven initiative is designed to increase public
compliance and awareness with safe driving measures. ENHANCED EXISTING SAFETY MEASURES
The following existing safety measures will be enhanced, and
OPERATION IMPACT are described on the next few pages:

Led by the Ontario Provincial Police, this enforcement campaign • Traffic Calming
specifically targets distracted and aggressive driving behaviours • “Watch Your Speed” Program (WYSP)
including speeding.
• Geometric Safety Improvements
• LED Blank-Out Signs

54
Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

NEW/ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES


GEOMETRIC SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS
This program will be enhanced through the implementation of new lane
width standards, right-turn channelization removals, painted and textured
intersection corner bump-outs and removal of crossing overlaps at
intersections. These physical changes improve safety for all road users by
limiting drivers’ ability to speed.

TRAFFIC CALMING GUIDE FOR TORONTO


The recently developed “Traffic Calming Guide for Toronto” reviews
typical traffic calming options including their impacts, cost and
effectiveness. The Guide also reviews the traffic calming process
including applicable Council polices and warrants and will assist
practitioners when implementing traffic calming measures.

LED BLANK-OUT SIGNS


Guidelines will be developed to expand the installation of LED blank-
out signs that depict prohibited left turns, right turns, and right turns
on red lights. These signs enhance safety for all road users by providing
more clear and visible guidance to drivers.

ENHANCED DATA ANALYSIS & REPORTING


The level of data analysis, reporting and transparency related to
MOBILE “WATCH YOUR SPEED” PROGRAM road safety issues will be improved through a number of actions. For
example, the completion of safety reviews at locations of recent fatal
Additional trailers will be deployed on a targeted, data-driven
collisions and KSI collision density mapping will be used to define
approach. This program addresses speeding behaviour by reminding
key locations for engineering improvements and targeted police
drivers to be aware of their speed as they travel through local
enforcement activities.
neighbourhoods.

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Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

NEW/ENHANCED SAFETY MEASURES


ENHANCED DATA COLLECTION
(PERMANENT COUNT STATIONS)
A data collection strategy will be developed to identify key areas where
permanent data count stations will capture vehicle, cyclist, and pedestrian
data. Enhancing our safety related data collection processes will improve
our ability to determine causal factors, identify and respond to changing
trends and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Vision
Zero Road Safety Plan.

ENHANCED ENFORCEMENT STRATEGIES


Police enforcement will focus on aggressive driving and road user
distraction. A greater emphasis will be placed on enforcement activities
in priority pedestrian areas, thereby improving safety for our most
vulnerable road users.

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS INITIATIVES


Public education materials will be developed to raise awareness of and
reduce aggressive driving and distraction. Campaigns will highlight the
safety risks related to distraction and will improve the knowledge of all
road users.

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Vision Zero: Toronto’s Road Safety Plan

Conclusion
MOVING FORWARD STAY CONNECTED
Achieving Vision Zero is an aggressive, but critical goal; an Toronto’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan is highly collaborative and
acknowledgement that even one serious injury or traffic death is integrative and depends upon fostering partnerships with all of our
one too many. It is a goal that the city as a whole stands behind. stakeholders, including the public!
It’s a partnership between city departments, other public agencies,
community groups, and each of us as individuals. We are committed to providing you with up-to-date information so that
you can track our progress and provide valuable feedback. Check back
The Vision Zero Road Safety Plan will increase the efficiency and regularly as we add new information and interactive content.
effectiveness of efforts and foster greater collaborations among partner
agencies who have all committed to sharing responsibility and lending
support to the plan. It is expected that these steps will make all road Connect with us on social Provide feedback or ask
media. @TO_Transport questions -- we’re happy
users in Toronto safer, reverse the recent trend of increasing vulnerable and use #VisionZeroTO to hear from you!
road user fatalities, and establish Toronto as a national and international [email protected]
leader in urban road safety.
Subscribe to our YouTube Stay up-to-date! Visit:
We look forward to working with you to make sure that no matter how Channel and checkout toronto.ca/VisionZeroTO
our latest videos. Search
we’re travelling and where we’re going, we can reach our Vision Zero
Transportation Services
goal together. Toronto.

58
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
CITY OF TORONTO
@TO_Transport # VisionZeroTO
www.toronto.ca/transportation

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