One Collision is Too Many: City Recognizes World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

On Sunday, November 21, the City of Mississauga is recognizing the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. In remembrance, the Civic Centre Clock Tower will be dimmed on that date to honour those who have lost their lives, been injured and had their lives forever changed by a road collision.

The City’s Road Safety Committee and Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee are collaborating on a campaign to raise awareness about the impact that collisions have on victims, their family, friends and emergency services crews and first responders. The campaign encourages all road users to be safe and responsible to prevent road collisions.

“Road collisions can affect people’s lives forever. On November 21, we will reflect and remember those who’ve lost their lives, been injured or impacted on our Mississauga roadways – including our emergency services workers from Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services, Peel Regional Police and Peel Paramedics Services,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “Our behaviours, actions and decisions have impacts. When you’re on the road, remember everyone deserves to be safe regardless of whether they’re driving, walking, cycling or taking transit. Slow down and stay focused on the road at all times.”

Road collisions happen most often at intersections where there are different modes of transportation being used – cars, bicycles, buses, walking and other modes of active transportation.

“Collisions can happen to anyone, but they don’t have to. You have to pay attention when you’re behind the wheel,” said Pat Saito, Ward 9 Councillor and Chair of the Road Safety Committee. “Drivers need to understand their negative actions have consequences especially when they choose to speed, drive distracted or drive impaired. This campaign from the Road Safety Committee and the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee encourages drivers to be alert, follow the rules of the road and slow down to help prevent road collisions from happening.”

According to Peel Regional Police, more than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users, which include pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.

“Road collisions can change lives forever, whether you’re the driver, the victim, or a friend or family member,” said Chris Fonseca, Ward 3 Councillor and Chair of the Mississauga Cycling Advisory Committee. “Vulnerable road users have the highest risk of being injured or killed in a collision. That’s why it’s especially important for pedestrians, cyclists and those who use active transportation to be aware of their surroundings and follow traffic signals. Avoid distractions like using your phone, use dedicated crossings to be visible and stop, look, listen and make eye contact with drivers before crossing at an intersection.”

Mississauga has the second-lowest rate of fatalities and injuries on its roads compared to other GTHA municipalities. However, the City continues to take action to implement Vision Zero principles into its road safety initiatives and efforts to reduce injuries and collisions on Mississauga roadways.

“The majority of collisions and injuries occur on Mississauga’s arterial and major collector roadways. Intersections also account for the most serious conflicts between drivers and vulnerable road users,” said Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works. “We are working to shift the way people move around the city to achieve safer and more accessible roadways. Through our data-driven approach to Vision Zero, we’re making changes to our infrastructure. This includes installing protected bike lanes, introducing Complete Streets that prioritize safety, updating traffic signals to provide more time to cross the street and implementing traffic calming projects throughout the city.”

Resident feedback and data is important to help the City inform specific road safety programs, initiatives and measures. Residents are invited to take the Road Safety Survey and share their feedback. The results of the survey will help the City develop specific solutions based on the data received. The deadline to complete the survey is December 17, 2021.

To learn more about road safety in Mississauga and how the City is taking action to prevent road collisions, visit mississauga.ca/roadsafety.

Tags

• Active Transportation
• Public Safety
• Roads and Traffic