Changes In Ontario Driving Laws To Protect Pedestrians

In Ontario, pedestrian crosswalks are often found in intersections and are controlled by traffic signals or stop signs. These crossroads provide pedestrians with a safe area to walk on especially in times of heavy traffic.

Factors That Contribute To Pedestrian Deaths

In 2010, the chief coroner of Ontario released a report that identified some of the reasons why pedestrian deaths occur in Canada. According to the ‘Review of All Accidental Pedestrian Deaths in Ontario”, which collected data between 1st January 2010 and 31st December 2010, pedestrian deaths often occur in urban areas when the traffic volume is high. Most of the pedestrian deaths involved seniors who were over the age of 65 or young children and occurred between 2 pm and 10 pm. The most common factors that led to the accidents included speed, distracted driving, and light.

In 2015, a new bill dubbed the Transportation Statute Law Amendment Act (Making Ontario’s Road Safer) received royal assent. This bill came about based on the many recommendations given after the 2010 report. The new bill included a number of amendments to the Highway Traffic Act to enhance pedestrian safety in Ontario roads. It came in effect on January 1st, 2016.

The New Laws That Protect Vulnerable Pedestrians

Effective January 1st, 2015, drivers, cyclists, and motorists are now required to come to a complete stop and yield when they get to a pedestrian crossover. The same also applies to school crossings where a guard is displaying a crossing sign. Drivers are required to wait until the pedestrian has completely crossed the road and only proceed once clear. Any driver or motorist who is caught breaking this law faces a fine of between $150 and $600. Violations may also attract up to 3 demerit points. If a violation occurs in community safety zones, drivers and motorists face double fines.

The new bill also implemented some recommendations given by the Ministry of Transportation regarding the use of pedestrian crossover devices for mid-block crossings. Different municipalities have the freedom to install their own mid-block pedestrian crossovers. However, these mid-block pedestrian crossovers must be installed as per the standards put in place in the new regulation. More and more municipalities are expected to take advantage of these types of crossings in the future.

New Distracted Driving Laws

Additionally, effective 1st September 2015, new distracted driving laws have been implemented in Ontario. Drivers who are found guilty of distracted driving such as cases involving the use of hand-held and other electronic communication devices will face steeper fines, demerit points, and other penalties. Drivers who open a car door in the path of a cyclist will also face increased penalties and fines. Any new drivers who violate some of these laws will face suspension of their driver’s license.

These changes are expected to make Ontario roads safer and result in a decrease in pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one is involved in a pedestrian accident, get in touch with our personal injury lawyers for help.