REDUCE COLLISIONS, INJURY AND DEATH IN TORONTO

2012 Shorty Awards

2012-01-19T10:13:00.003-05:00

Well, the Shorty Awards are upon us once again. I love these awards as they really point towards the best that Twitter has to offer.

Last year, @TrafficServices was a finalist for the Nokia Connecting People category which was won by the amazing Shannon Miller. For me, just to be nominated was incredible...to be a finalist, that was more than I could have imagined.

This year, @TrafficServices has been nominated again, this time in the category, #LifeSavingHero presented by The Weather Channel. WOW!! Nominated again. I give a huge thanks for the nomination. But, me...a life saving hero? Not a chance.

You see, my job with this account is to communicate traffic safety and raise the awareness of the importance of traffic safety in our everyday lives. I sit at a computer for the most part and share information through social media to do that. I type, watch videos, read articles, interpret research and pass the info I see along. Not really a tough job and the biggest risk I face are paper cuts, headaches and vision problems. I go to community meetings and share my passion for traffic safety and try to get people to buy into the importance that traffic safety plays in the lives of each and everyone of us.

But call me a life saving hero? I can't in good conscience live up to that moniker. Here's why.
Looking at my industry of policing, there are men and women everyday who respond to the call for service by going places that they know are dangerous. They deal with people they know wish to do them harm. They investigate the worst that society has to offer and they are willing each and every time the walk out the door to sacrifice themselves to protect you and your family. Men and women who mine the Internet for pedophile's to save victims and prevent re-victimization.

They are life saving heroes.

When I think about life saving heroes, I have to also look at our military service men and women who have pledged their lives to protect us. Who walk into the theatre of battle to stand up for what is right, protect those that cannot protect themselves and to ensure we sleep well and safe at night. The bomb techs and bio-techs that inspect and neutralize bombs and hazardous substances meant to terrorize plague.

They are life saving heroes.

Life saving heroes can be found in hospitals and universities. Doctors that treat the critically injured. Stand for hours with their hands and minds inside bodies to repair damage done through trauma and disease. Researchers that are finding treatments and working towards cures that improve, extend and yes, save our lives.

They are life saving heroes.

Volunteers that at a moments notice, drop everything they are doing, leave their jobs and families behind to work in areas that are devastated by famine, natural disasters, man-made disasters and lands that are controlled to the point the poorest and most needy face death because they can't get water and food.

They are life saving heroes.

Pilots who land damaged planes with hundreds of people on board who are just trying to get back to their loved ones.

They are life saving heroes.

A cop that uses social media as pretty much the only part of his job? Nope...not a life saving hero, but incredibly grateful for what I get to do and humbled by your thoughts.

Like I said in the beginning, I love the Shorty Awards and I will definitely be casting my nominations for the people that I think are the best of the best and I hope you all do the same! Find the awesome people in your social world and let them be seen for what they do!

This is the New Sheriff

2011-09-05T12:00:00.000-04:00

So...a few people have asked who it is that will be taking over the accounts?
Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or this blog and the next generation of social media that the Toronto Police choose to use...or more correctly, the ones that you tell us by your presence, which ones we should use.

There really was only one logical choice all along. He was my partner for more than a year, so I knew he had the understanding of not only what I was doing on the social streams, but he gets how traffic works. Those two were important. He's made many suggestions for what I should say and post. (Usually when I wanted to say something really bold. He would talk me off the ledge and make a much better suggestions).

Everyone in the media is accustomed to him so it won't be a shock or a learning curve for you either.

Ladies and gentlemen please give a really warm welcome to Police Constable Hugh Smith!!

Surprise!!! Why go looking for someone when the best is right beside you.

Hugh will have some help though. With the training that has been happening within the Toronto Police Service, Traffic Services has some people trained in the use of the tools. More Tweeters are coming and help with this blog and the fan page are just around the corner.

But for now...please say "Hi" and give Hugh a BIG warm welcome...(I've changed the settings so he will get everyone of these so let him know you are looking forward to his tweets). I'm off for a week (my therapy session for letting this go) so he won't be able to yell at me. LOL!!

There will be an adjustment period. Hugh will do a great job. Give him a little time and a little patience.

So, I'm moving full time to the @TorontoPolice account on Twitter and the Facebook Fan page there as well.

I will be more active on my personal account, but there still wont be anything Toronto Police related. Some traffic safety information and general police info will get in there but it's by no means a police account.

In closing...Thanks for the memories!

There's a New Sheriff in Town

2011-09-02T21:07:00.001-04:00

How do I start this post...I knew this day would come. In fact, I've been planing it out for the last few months.

"And now, the end is near,
And so I face the final curtain.
My friends, I'll say it clear; I'll state my case of which I'm certain."

On January 15, 2009 at 12:33pm I activated my first Traffic Services social media platform; Twitter account @TrafficServices. After that, I created pages, groups, profiles, channels, identities and this blog.

The reason? To "Reduce collisions, injuries and death in Toronto". I was trying to raise the awareness of traffic safety issues that could lead to better respect for road users with each other. I was hoping that the information I could share would help our Toronto road users understand each other's perspective a little better. I wanted the public to be more aware of the laws, enforcement practices, decisions that would make each individual road user safer.

So a few thousand tweets, some videos, posts, updates, links, later...I am at the final curtain. (There has always been a music tone to my interactions...I'm not going to stop now!)

I have pushed a simple statement everywhere I could, "Road safety is every one's responsibility...and it starts with you." And while I've pushed that, an incredible thing happened. You pulled it in, shared it, pushed questions back and we formed some great relationships through all this social media 'stuff'.

I can honestly say, I've learned more from you than you learned from me!

Through it all, you built a "traffic brand". Some of you know I left Traffic Services a few months back to work out of the Toronto Police Headquarters Unit of Corporate Communications, but I have continued to populate the Traffic Services information streams.

I figured when the day came I would be leaving traffic, I would just change the name on my accounts and take them with me. But, after seeing what you have done and how you have interacted and talked about traffic, shared our safety principals, I couldn't just take that away. These are all your accounts...not mine.

"Regrets? I've had a few,
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption. "

When I made mistakes you forgave me. When I got too busy with all my other duties, you were patient.

So, in return for your loyalty and dedication, I will leave you in great hands!

A replacement has been identified and trained. My replacement has been told about many of you and how important you are to what has been created. I could never turn over the passwords over to just anyone...which is in part why it took a few months for this day to officially come. It had to be the right person.

In a couple of days, you will all know, but for now, just know, you will be in great hands.

I have to thank a few people and I do this at the risk of not thanking everyone that should be mentioned. Please don't be offended if you aren't thanked. Know that you are all thought very highly of and my replacement has a list of key people and organizations that have helped so much.

@TVGurl - What can I say to the person who started it all? I am in your debt for what you did for me!
@AmberMac - Hey Coach!! Your patience was incredible and your teachings so valuable.
@KrisReyes - All the key people to tied me into launched my understanding of the "government" end of this.
@Unmarketing - Your friendly slaps upside my head when you saw what others didn't were very appreciated.
@DeputySloly - You planted the seed to try new things, be courageous and to take the Toronto Police Service where it had never been.
@ChristaMMiller / @Cops2Point0 - The first law enforcement resource I found. Your direction helped so much.
@808Cop_Retired - You sir are class...pure class!
@GaryV - Thanks for your time in Toronto. It's not over! The best is yet to come and the standing offer is always there, so let me know and we'll meet at our usual location ;)
@MrsMeaghanGray - Thanks for your guidance, level minded approach and understanding to learn all about this. By the way, "I've been thinking about trying something" No, seriously, I am...not kidding. See you after my holidays, we'll talk!

Every boss and supervisor that I have worked for and with over the last three years. Huge thanks!!

Every person that took the time to say 'Hi', ask a question, point out some great information, like a post, favourite a video, share...There would be nothing without all of you - THANK YOU ALL!

Most importantly...@CarrieBurrows and the "3Bs". You put up with so much. You let me run with this and never complained about the trips away, the late night computer glow, the phone calls or the interviews. I will never be able to return to you everything you sacrificed...but it's going to be great trying!!

"For what is a man what has he got

If not himself then he has not
To say the things he truly feels
And not the words of one who kneels
The record shows I took the blows
And did it..."
YOUR WAY!!

"THERE'S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN"

Watch for the introduction of the new face coming soon!!

Oh, by the way...this isn't the end, I'm just moving over fully to the Toronto Police streams.

Born to Ride....Victoriously

2011-09-01T07:23:00.000-04:00

Well, I figure I better continue about day 3 and 4 at the Great Lakes Police Motorcycle Competition to follow up the last blog post.

Day 3 was more of the basics.

Look and steer where you want to go. I still found myself every once and a while looking at the obstacles that I was trying to avoid and sure enough I would hit them.

When riding a motorcycle or a bicycle, driving a car or even just while walking, you need to look where you want to go. In my time a s a police officer working traffic I used to be amazed when I would roll up on a collision scene where a single motor vehicle hit a pole or a tree or even a parked car. To the right or left of the collision scene would be wide open space, but the vehicle would hit the only object around.

The reason is pretty obvious. The operator was looking directly at the object even though that is what they were trying to avoid. In some ways, this is natural. The object represents the threat and therefore we fixate on it. Turn your eyes to the open space and steer towards the space...not the object.

When you walk through a door way, you don't look at the jams on each side...you look and walk through the open space.

Back to the training seminar....When I would use the proper riding principals, brake, steer, accelerate, shift gears, look, use proper seating position all to their optimum I never had a problem.

By the end of day three, I was feeling confident and ready to compete the next day!

Day 4.

Fantastic!!! I went into the competition hoping to be competitive and ride to the best of my ability. I gave up a few years ago when I left the motor unit of ever challenging for top riding honours.

Looking at the cone...guess what I hit

I took all the basics and put them together at the right time to be competitive. If it wasn't for using the basics and reminding myself, "Do the simple things right", I might have had a bad day, but because I focused on the basics, I actually came off looking like I knew what I was doing.

Most importantly, the team of five Toronto Police Officer that attended the event all concentrated on the basics and we won the Team Competition. Here is the break down of it all.

For the published version of the following article, click here.
(From the Toronto Police Web Story)

Born to Ride...Victoriously
Motorcycle riding is a skill you never lose – just as long as you’re up to speed with the latest training techniques.

The Toronto Police Service proved just that, as their five-member team, all of whom no longer perform regular bike duties, captured the individual and team titles at the recent Great Lakes Police Motorcycle Training Seminar in Cambridge, Ontario.

A total of 70 riders, from police services across the continent, took part in the four-day event designed to challenge officers on various theoretical and practical information and to improve their riding skills.

The training courses mirror real-life events and obstacles that police motorcycle officers could be faced with on the job.

For the second time in the event’s 13-year history, S/Sgt Andy Norrie won the individual award. He was also second in the challenge ride, third in the slow ride and fourth in the smart-ride competitions.

“I am pleased to achieve an individual award, but I am more thrilled that the TPS contingent won first place in the team event,” he said.

“This achievement continues to demonstrate that the TPS is a world leader in policing and the vital role that teamwork plays in our success.”

The rest of the team was made up of Sgts. Tim Burrows and Don White, Const. Pekka Jokiniemi and Auxiliary officer Mark Webber.

Jokiniemi, who works out of the Transit Patrol Unit, won the expert division non-fairing skills competition while Burrows came out on top in the challenge and partner-ride events. He also came in second in the last rider standing contest and fourth and fifth in smart and slow-ride competitions.

White finished fourth in the challenge ride and fifth in the fairing skills (expert division) competition.

For a complete run down of how all the competitors did, click this link

For more on the event there are some great YouTube vids...use 2011 GLPMTS or GLPMTS as your search term.

Expert Motorcycle Riding Begins with the Basics

2011-08-18T19:21:00.000-04:00

Back when I was a motor officer for Traffic Services, I and many of my colleagues would participate in training seminars as often as we could to hone our skills, learn new tactics and enjoy the camaraderie of spending time with other motorcycle officers from around North America.

I've never won an overall competition award, but I have won many individual awards for skills, slow riding, partner riding and blind course challenges. I have been an instructor for the Toronto Police and a signing authority with the Ministry of Transportation, so I can walk with a little swagger when I attend these events...but I don't.

This year's Great Lakes Police Motorcycle Training Seminar reminds me why, even with a lot of experience and hardware under my belt, a motorcycle is machine that will remind you very quickly who is in charge.

Day 1.
First time on the motorcycle since my spring re-qualification to operate a Toronto Police Motorcycle. I broke into my usual pre-competition routine. Bike inspection: fluids, cables, connectors, equipment, signals, lights, air pressures, tire condition. That resulted in some adjustments and repairs. Then a stationary brake test, not much good trying to go if you can't stop! Start it up and roll on to about 20k, then another brake test. Go again to about 50k and a threshold brake test, with a collision avoidance move. Now I was sure that I had a good safe ride; now warm ups.
I like to do circles, tight ones! Left and right, warm up the steering head and get used to leaning the bike over.

Ready to go, ride over to the skills courses and shut the bike down. Time for a little walking. I like to walk the track to see the course of travel and visualize the lines I need to travel to ensure getting through a sea of cones without hitting any.

Back on the bike, start it up and head to the first exercise. I chose a simple four turn patter, easy enough build my confidence and get ready for the rest. Through the entry gates and position myself for the first turn. I adjusted my speed, set my line and absolutely hit every cone possible!!
I made a big mistake!! I looked at the pylons. Even with all my experience, I made a big mistake by looking at the obstacle I wanted to avoid.
Bike - 1 : Me - 0

Safety Tip: Where your eyes go, you go. Look where you want to go and steer there.

Once I had that reminder under my belt, I was ready to try again. (Thanks to the "cone crew" volunteers who were kind enough to re-set the pylons).

I had a couple hours of getting used to riding for gold again and felt way better! Enter cocky and confident...not good on a motorcycle.

I was halfway through a tough course and was getting aggressive to really turn the bike on a dime. (Uhm, 800 pound motorcycles don't turn on dimes). I cranked the handle bars, started the turn and put in a little back brake. Enter physics and gravity. The loss of my momentum coupled with the turn steering added up to a loss of balance. I slammed my size 12 foot into the ground to pop the bike back upright, gave the motor a little more gas to work with, got off the brake and felt the initial shock travel from my foot, through my leg, into my spine and finishing in my neck. 800 pound motorcycles also don't pop back up by a foot slamming into the ground.
Bike - 2: Me - 0

Safety Tip: When riding a motorcycle or bicycle you can't eliminate momentum while turning tight other wise Sir Isaac Newton will stop to say hello.

Well, all of that behind me and my ego in check again I was ready to ride. So into the the course that I have been having great rides in all day. Time to go fast!!

I got into the exercise and got a little off my choice of riding line so to make up for it, I had to turn hard, power through the turn and then brake hard to set up for the next turn. Can you see it coming?

That's right sports fans...harsh on the controls and trying to utilize multiple inputs at the same time. Hello sea of cones and more work for the cone crew. I was not smooth. I was anything but smooth and I (the cones) paid for it.
Bike - 3: Me - 0

Safety Tip: Smooth inputs are always required. Smooth is fast, sloppy is slow. If you are using too much of any one input (steering, braking or accelerator) you are using up the availability of the others.

The rest of the day went really good. Cobwebs gone, rust shaken off and reminders that if I am not in control of the bike, it's in control of the results.I felt really good, once I went back to the basics.

Tips:
Always inspect your equipment
Test your brakes
Warm up
Look and steer where you want to go
Maintain power to the rear wheel
Balanced inputs are smooth
Smooth is control

Day 2
Same start with inspection, testing and warm ups.

Into the cones.

Using everything that I had reminded myself of yesterday, I had a great day of riding the cones.

First competition: Last rider standing

This is a chess game. Two riders line up on the outside of a large circle that has obstacles in it (hockey pucks, hard rubber balls and small pylons). The idea is to force the other rider to hit an obstacle or ride out of bounds. Essentially, plan your route not to hit anything and cause your opponent to hit something by planning their route for them.

It combines every skill you can think of. Steering, slow riding, quick acceleration, sudden stops and route planning.

That was a recap of the first two days from my perspective.

If you want to get your own look at it, head down the 401 to Conestoga College in Kitchener. (Exit at Homer Watson Blvd, go north and take the first right. You'll see it on your right hand side.

Click this link and you can see the schedule and all the events.

Distracted Driving - Reporting

2011-07-29T12:22:00.000-04:00

Ever since the law was created in Ontario that made it an offence for drivers of motor vehicles to use a hand held electronic device, phone or view a screen not associated to the navigation of the motor vehicle, the Toronto Police have reminded people regularly to avoid using any device that may cause a distraction.

On a daily basis we hear about people driving and talking o the phone. The Toronto Police have been very aggressive in both the messaging of the dangers of this action and in charging people who we see doing it. (To date in 2011 we have charged 13,802 people under the distracted driving legislation…All of 2010 = 15,371)

For over a year, the Toronto Police have offered the community a way to report drivers they see endangering the public by their actions or behaviours in non-emergency situations. There are two online forms that can be easily filled out and sent to the police.

One details neighbourhood complaints where the community would like specific actions taken to deal with a problem. For example:

Speeding in a school zone;
Failing to stop at a stop sign;
Not yielding to pedestrians in a crossover;

Can all be addressed by the division for the concerned area.

The second form allows for the reporting a driver / vehicle in specific circumstances. Examples of those offences may include:

Driver on the phone;
Vehicles weaving in and out of traffic;
Speeding.

When we receive these reports, we review the nature of the complaint, notify a specific unit for action of the report and take the appropriate action. (Investigation, observation, education, enforcement.)

Often times the registered owner of the vehicle will be sent a letter describing the incident and asked to ensure anyone driving their vehicle adhere to all applicable laws according to the Highway Traffic Act, Municipal By-Laws or other statutes that may be referenced.

It is rare that we will lay charges under reported circumstances for various reasons, one of which is we often can’t identify the driver or people don’t wish to attend court as witnesses or the actions themselves don’t warrant the resources required to open a full investigation when a letter can serve the purpose of educating and raising the awareness to possible offenders that their actions are seen by other than the police.

When circumstances include collisions, criminality or extreme situations of unsafe driving, resources would be dedicated to the investigation and pursuit of the appropriate charges.

The underlying message of all this is simple. The device that is used is not the issue. Whether it is talking on the phone, holding a music or entertainment device or watching a movie on a tablet, it’s the distraction that is the concerning issue.

Driving is filled with potential distractions, some we control easily (like not bringing a phone into the car) and ones that aren’t so controllable (visual issues like billboards).

The key for drivers is to remember that the priority when driving a motor vehicle is safety on the roads and the consideration of other road users.

Great drivers just drive, safely.

To report a distracted driver in a non-emergency situation use this link.

To report a neighbourhood concern, use this link.

5 Tips to Help With Highway Closures

2011-06-04T10:42:00.000-04:00

Unless you haven't paid any attention to the news, talk around town or overhead message boards you know that the Gardiner and DVP are closing tonight (yes actually tomorrow morning) at 2:00am.

This closure has nothing to do with catch basin cleaning, grass cutting, litter pick-up or paving and painting. This closure has everything to do with a being charitable.

On Sunday June 5th many people will have chance to see the city in a new light and at a much different pace. It's the, "Becel Heart and Stroke Ride for Heart"

Every year this event happens. Every year we call the closure, all in the name of a good cause, and don't forget it really is! Every year thousands of people contribute an insignificant amount of time and energy to create a very significant result. Every year, those not taking part, not aware, not from Toronto are caught in a traffic nightmare!!

Every year we message the life out of telling people to avoid the area, don't drive if you don't have to, find alternate routes, use public transit, etc. And every year, I watch the cameras and the traffic feeds to see that nothing is moving around the area of the closure! What do expect....those two highways carry an incredible amount of traffic effectively and efficiently. Don't believe me? Watch the news tomorrow night and see the traffic impact from this closure.

Here is the irony...tomorrow...I have to go downtown...I have to do what I tell people not to do and I have to use my personal vehicle.

Here is the tips I am going to follow to minimize the pain.

1.) Leave really early
You can't make up time on the road if you are stopped in grid locked traffic. All that happens is you get mad and frustrated and that can lead to bigger problems.

2.) Plan your route
Don't drive anywhere near the closure area until you absolutely have to
Even though where I have to be can be considered in the eastern side of the downtown core near the lake, I will not be anywhere near the lake shore until the last point possible. I will come 'down' through the city as opposed across the bottom. A little out of my way, but the extra mileage will more than make up for the lost time.

3.) Closest alternate routes are not the best routes
Take the Gardiner closure for example. Do you know how many people will be on Lakeshore Blvd, King Street, Queen Street The Queensway and Front Streets? Pretty much everyone that can't get on the FGX. So, think about the east west routes that are a little out of the way, but won't have nearly the traffic on them....St.Clair, Eglinton, Bloor.
DVP. Don't use VicPark and Don Mills. Use Yonge, McCowan.

4.) Be patient
It's going to be busy. Accept it. Don't be yelling at your steering wheel waving your arms like a seagull and holding your horn until it cacks out. None of it works and quite frankly...you look weird.

5.) Transit
The same traffic nightmare that catches everyone else also catches buses and streetcars. Think subway and GOTrain.

Driving in the rain

2011-05-26T09:58:00.000-04:00

Well, apparently Mother nature doesn't think that we've had enough rain this spring. April showers bring May rain and probably June down pours at the rate we're going.

There is a lot of standing water on our roads and pathways and over the next couple of days, it is expected to get worse. So here is a reminder about driving in wet weather.

Wet Weather Driving Tips

How you drive can obviously make a significant impact on wet-weather safety. Be alert to the situation around you, including what other drivers are doing and how they are reacting to conditions. One of the best ways to avoid collisions is to always be prepared for the actions of others that will affect you.

Leave yourself more time. Knowing that the drive will take longer prepare ahead of time by leaving for where you need to be earlier, don't try to make up time on the roads...it doesn't work and is very dangerous.
Slow down before you encounter a problem, and be aware that your tires less grip available for stopping, steering and accelerating. Remember: Even four-wheel-drive and anti-lock brakes can't change the laws of physics.
Never use your cruise control.
Even a new tire can begin to hydroplane on wet surfaces, so watch your speed. If the steering begins to feel light and the car is splashing through deep puddles, gently reduce your throttle to allow the car to slow to a more manageable speed. Don't lift off the gas pedal abruptly or hit the brakes, since this could unsettle the tires' grip on the wet surface.
Don’t drive your car through deep water on a flooded road. You simply cannot tell how deep the water is. It doesn't take much water to disable your vehicle or even float it off of the road surface. If you have any doubt about water depth, stop and go back the way you came.
Use the speeds on your windshield wipers to help remove the amount of water that is hitting the windshield. This sounds simple, but some people forget that at higher road speeds you need higher wiper speeds.
Be aware of the spray coming from passing trucks and oncoming cars. It may blind you temporarily, so anticipate this by turning on (or increasing the speed of) your wipers and by looking at what's happening to cars ahead of you.
Turn down the radio and turn off your cell phone. Driving in heavy rain demands greater attention.
If conditions become too intense, pull far off the road to a parking lot or side street and wait it out.
If you travel through deep standing water lightly apply your brakes for a moment to dry them.

Preparing Your Car

If you are serious about driving in wet conditions, there are several things you can do to prepare your car:

Make sure your wiper blades are like-new and that they still have a sharp wiping edge.
Clean your wiper blades by running a damp cloth along their edges from time to time to remove the build-up of oils and debris that the wipers have removed from the windshield.
Clean the interior and exterior glass surfaces of your vehicle.
If your windshield is heavily pitted, it might be time for a replacement. Nothing lets you see better than a new windshield.
Make sure that your headlights and taillights are working properly and that their lenses are clean and your turn on your full lighting package, not just day time running lights.
Make sure your tires are inflated to manufacturer's specifications and have sufficient tread. To measure the tread use the ‘Bluenose Test’: place a dime in the tire’s groove with the Bluenose’s Sails facing down . If you can see the top of the Bluenose mass and sails, then your tires have sailed long enough and needs replacing. However, this test will not work with performance or off-road tires.

Considerations

Don't drive through standing water when pedestrians or cyclists are nearby. It's bad enough getting wet because of the rain...getting a waterfall thrown at you is just cruel.

Be aware a cyclist may move out of the curb area due to standing water. No one should drive into standing water for safety reasons, so give them room and know that it is their right as a vehicle on the road to occupy a full lane when necessary.

Be Safe

The biggest factor in safe wet-weather driving is you and your judgment. When visibility drops and the roads become flooded, only you can tell when it is time to pull off and take a break. Sure, it may take you a bit longer to reach your destination, but in the end, the few minutes spent to be safe will be worth it.

Alternatives to Driving

Public transit is the best choice to avoid the need for driving in wet weather. Leave the driving up to someone else.

Parking Offences

2011-05-06T10:40:00.001-04:00

There always seems to be some confusion about what no parking actually means. So let's see if we can clear some of this up.

There are three general on road offences that are regulated by sign.

No Parking
No parking means that you can stop your vehicle for the purpose of letting passengers in or out or dropping off / picking up packages. This is short term.

No Standing

No standing means that you can stop your vehicle only for the purpose of letting passengers in or out of your car. You'll find that most TTC Stops for example are in a no standing zone.

No Stopping

Pretty self explanatory. You can't stop your car for any reason, except if directed by police, break down.

You have to look carefully at signs to determine allowable times since many areas will be governed by multiple signs. An example of this is a rush hour route. It may be OK to park in a specific area from 9:30am to 11:30am but then the area becomes a No Standing Zone until 1:30pm. That same area may then become a No Stopping Zone at 3:30pm to 6:30pm.

Bicycle Lanes
Almost all of them that I have seen are in areas that are governed by No Stopping Signs. This no stopping anytime regardless of how long or function. (See exceptions) There is no specific charge for parking in a bike lane. It falls to the no stopping offence.

Handicapped Spaces
Reserved for vehicles that bear a handicap permit that is visible. The person that is named on the permit must be using it, or being transported in the vehicle. In other words, if your elderly parents have a handicap permit and you are using their chauffeur, you can't use a designated space to shop at the mall unless they are physically with you.

Fire Routes
You may think it's no big deal to stop momentarily in them but they are allocated for the express purpose of fire vehicles to use for parking or for access. Block a fire route and a ticket could be the least of your concerns.

Exemptions from Parking Rules
These are fairly obvious...Emergency Vehicles, (Ambulance, Fire, Police) and Public Works vehicles, all while in the course of their duties.

Towing
If your vehicle has received a parking infraction notice, your vehicle is eligible for a ride to a towing pound. Rush hour routes...say good bye. We work at keeping these free and clear to facilitate an optimum flow of traffic.
Relocation's occur from time to time for major events or emergency reasons. Your vehicle won't be far, it's usually moved around the corner, a street over or across the street. Just call 416-808-2222 and provide your licence plate number and we will be able to pinpoint the location for you.

Resources for more information

Toronto Police
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/parking/
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/parking/avoid_parking_ticket.pdf
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/traffic/towing_boundaries_and_pound_locations.pdf
(Caution on towing rates posted on this pdf...they may change. This is not the official rate notice)

City of Toronto
http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/parking/regulations.htm
http://www.toronto.ca/transportation/parking/index.htm

I'm sure there will be questions, so feel free to ask away. I will answer them or direct you to the best resource for your answer.

2010/2011 School Crossing Guard of the Year

2011-04-19T09:29:00.000-04:00

The following note was read by the Toronto Police Services Board Chair, Dr. Alok Mukherjee to honour the 2010/2011 School Crossing Guard of The Year, Ms Lois Fulton.

Crossing Guard of the Year Award Presentation

"Each year we receive many nominations for the Crossing Guard of the Year Award. It is a very difficult task to choose just one person from all the nominations. All those who were nominated by their divisional co-ordinators should be very proud of their accomplishments.

Tonight we will honour a guard from 31 Division.

At the time of these incidents, Ms. Lois Fulton was employed by 31 division on a part time basis (Spare Guard). She was a guard for 15 years prior to taking some time off for medical reasons. She returned in 2009 on a part time basis, but is now employed on a full time basis working the intersection of Grandravine Dr. and Sentinel Rd.

There are three letters from the public describing the actions of this guard. Two of the letters describe the first situation at Grandravine and Sentinel, one from a witness and one from the victim’s mother. These letters are written by new Canadians who struggle with English, in one case the grandson (grade two, approx. seven years old helped with the letter, the mother of the victims also received help to write her letter). The fact that two people who struggle with the English language took the time to write these letters speaks to their passion with respect to the actions of this guard. The third letter is from the victim and describes the situation at Lawrence and Ralph.

In February Lois was working at the intersection of Grandravine and Sentinel. Two families approached the intersection, the witness with his seven year old grandson and the victim’s mother with her infant in a stroller and her twin four year olds boys.

On this day the twins were not listening to, or obeying their mother. They approached the intersection, the mother pushing the baby in the stroller. The boys ran off into the intersection. A car was approaching the intersection at a high rate of speed, the driver, while talking on a cell phone, did not stop at the stop sign. The childrens mother screamed, the guard ran out into the intersection, dropped her stop sign, scooped the boys up in her arms and ran them across the street. She slipped once but maintained her hold on the boys and then pushed them out of the way. The guard was now directly in the path of the oncoming car. The guard jumped and at the last second the driver saw her and swerved his car narrowly missing her. The mother continued to watch in horror and scream for the safety of her children and the crossing guard. The car continued very quickly through the intersection and no one was able to obtain a licence plate. The witness further advised that he saw this guard save two other children on two other dates, unfortunately no details of these events were given. Both the witness and the boys mother stated that they wanted this guard to remain at this intersection on a full time basis. They further stated that the guard takes the time to talk to the children and teach them how to safely cross the street and the importance of listening to their parents.

In April Lois was working at the intersection of Lawrence Avenue and Ralph St. Ms. (edited), an 80 year old woman who advises she is not in good health was crossing the street with her shopping buggy. Ms. (edited) advised that she is no longer able to care for herself so is moving in to live with her son. This incident occurred on April 14th and she was to move in with her son on April 16th.

As Ms. (edited) was crossing the street she stepped in a crack in the road, her hip gave out and she began to fall in the path of a large cement truck. Ms. (edited) advised that she did not have the ability to get out of the way and thought she was going to die. All of a sudden Lois ran to her and pulled her out of the way just in time. Ms. (edited) grocery buggy was not so lucky. As Ms. Ronston states it was “a small price to pay” for her life. Ms. Ronston states that Lois seems to genuinely care about the people she crosses as they both could have been killed.

All of the citizens in these incidents cannot praise Lois enough for her selfless acts of courage to save the lives of others without thoughts for her own safety.

(left to right) Superintendent Chris White, 31 Division, Lois Fulton, Dr. Alok Mukherjee.

Lois is the epitome of our Service Mission Statement and is truely making our city the best place to be by teaching safety to our youth one child at a time. She is helping with the Sevice Priority of pedestrian safety and displays the core values of reliability and positive attitude."

Traffic Safety Pop Quiz - The recap

2011-04-05T12:12:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who took part in the #TrafficSafety Pop Quiz today. I hope that people were able to take away some value from it and that it encourages more cooperative road use between cyclists and motor vehicles.

I know there is a lot more information that could be covered, and over time it will be. In the meantime, for anyone who wants to brush up on their knowledge or clarify anything, I have included some good resource links at the bottom of this post.

Here is a re-cap of the quiz:
Q1) What is the maximum tire size which allows a bicycle to be ridden on a sidewalk in Toronto.
A1) 61cm or 24 inches
Big problem with this is the intent of the law is to allow for younger/smaller children to learn to ride in a safe environment while they become accustomed to traffic laws and traffic safety. It isn't to allow adults the opportunity to free wheel where pedestrians require a safety zone. Even a child is taught to give way to the pedestrians, let them know you are coming and ride only as fast as you can safely manoeuvre.

Q2) Can a cyclist be charged with impaired driving?
A2) No.
The Criminal Code specifies a motor vehicle in the operation. But, you can be charged/arrested for intoxicated in a public place, careless driving and any other offences that may be committed as a result of the impairment.

Q3) Can a cyclist be charged with operating an unsafe vehicle?
A3) Yes.
All vehicles operated must meet safety requirements. Those include brakes, steering, lighting, horn, general maintenance, frame integrity, tires and over-all road worthiness.

Q4) What is the responsibility of a driver when passing a bicycle?
A4) HTA 148(5) Every person in charge of a vehicle on a highway who is overtaking another vehicle shall turn out to the left so far as may be necessary to avoid a collision with the vehicle overtaken, and the person overtaken is not required to leave more than one-half of the roadway free. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 148 (5).
Bicycles overtaken
148(6) Every person on a bicycle or motor assisted bicycle who is overtaken by a vehicle travelling at a greater speed shall turn out to the right and allow the vehicle to pass and the vehicle overtaking shall turn out to the left so far as may be necessary to avoid a collision. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 148 (6).

Q5) How far out from the edge of the roadway should a cyclist ride?
A5) Only as much as is practicable.
This may mean that from time to time a cyclist will travel in such a position that they prevent vehicles from over taking them. This is lawful and often safer for the cyclist. (Passing parked cars, avoiding road debris, potholes, sewer grates, etc.) Drivers may pass a cyclist riding in this position ONLY if it is safe to do so AND they allow enough room to pass the cyclist.
Once the cyclist is able, they must then return to riding as close as practical to the edge of the roadway.

Q6) Could a bicycle helmet save your life in a collision or fall?
A6) Yes.
Last year Traffic Services attended a collision where a cyclist fell while riding in the path of a car. The right side tires of the car ran over the cyclists head, which was in a helmet. The helmet was cracked...the cyclist had a headache.
Helmets are designed to reduce potential head/brain injuries. There is no guarantee that by wearing one all injuries will be prevented, but there is a guarantee that by not wearing one you dramatically increase the potential for injury.

Q7) Do you have to stop at a stop sign when there is no traffic around that would be affected?
A7) Yes
HTA 136 136. (1) Every driver or street car operator approaching a stop sign at an intersection,

(a) shall stop his or her vehicle or street car at a marked stop line or, if none, then immediately before entering the nearest crosswalk or, if none, then immediately before entering the intersection; and
(b) shall yield the right of way to traffic in the intersection or approaching the intersection on another highway so closely that to proceed would constitute an immediate hazard and, having so yielded the right of way, may proceed. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 136 (1).
It doesn't matter if there is any other traffic around...all must stop. This includes cyclists and drivers!

Q8) What is the safest way to make a left turn in traffic on a bicycle?
A8) Two possible answers...proper shoulder checks, signals, movement, etc and proceed like any other vehicle on the road. Our suggestion is to dismount from the right curb, cross the street as a pedestrian and then resume riding. This is not only safer, but often faster.

Q9) If there is room available, is it ok to pass a right turning vehicle on the right side?
A9) NEVER
We have all heard the complaints that drivers don't look before turning, so why put yourself in that position. When you see a car that you believe will be turning right (signals, slowing, edging to the right, waiting at an intersection/driveway) you should make your movement to move to the left and pass there. The other option is to dismount and walk across the intersection as a pedestrian. Yes it takes a little time, but it is a lot safer. Passing on the right also goes against the cycling argument for a space cushion to the left...when you pass on the right, you are more than likely volunteering to give away that cushion and weakening a valid argument.

Q10) Is a cyclist required to ride within a bicycle lane when it is available?
A10) No.
The cycling lane is designated for cycling only. Not fro drivers of motor vehicles to use or stop in. But, if a cyclist is keeping up with the flow of traffic or travelling faster than other vehicles, it is better for them to ride within the mutual use lanes.

A11) When a collision occurs on a highway, all persons involved directly or indirectly shall remain. Does this include cyclists?
A11) Yes
200. (1) Where an accident occurs on a highway, every person in charge of a vehicle or street car that is directly or indirectly involved in the accident shall,

(a) remain at or immediately return to the scene of the accident;
(b) render all possible assistance; and
(c) upon request, give in writing to anyone sustaining loss or injury or to any police officer or to any witness his or her name, address, driver’s licence number and jurisdiction of issuance, motor vehicle liability insurance policy insurer and policy number, name and address of the registered owner of the vehicle and the vehicle permit number. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 200 (1); 1997, c. 12, s. 16.

Resources:
Highway Traffic Act
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90h08_e.htm

City of Toronto Cycling Information
http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/index.htm

CanBike
http://www.canbike.net/

Ontario Cycling Association
http://www.ontariocycling.org/

Toronto Police Bicylce Registration
https://webapp1.torontopolice.on.ca/BicycleRegistry/Submit

Traffic Safety Pop Quiz - The rules

2011-04-05T09:47:00.000-04:00

Today at 11am @TrafficServices will be doing a traffic safety quiz on Twitter.
(I will be turning off Twitter to Facebook posts as this does fill up people's walls)
On Twitter follow the hash tag #trafficsafety.

Please include that hash tag with your response or comments.

Questions will be identified as Q1, Q2, Q3, etc. answers should be #trafficsafety A1, A2, A3, etc.

At the end of the quiz, I will post resources and links for more information.

This quiz will consist of 11 questions. It will move fast, but I will try to give everyone time to respond if they wish.

Feel free to ask supplemental questions and I will attempt to answer those as well.

Please ReTweet (RT) any information that you find useful or relevant, including the #trafficsafety

As always, keep the answers clean and respectful.

The goal of this is to raise awareness with education for issues regarding road safety in the drive to reduce collisions, injury and death.

Thanks, have fun and see you there.

This is meant to be fun and educational so enjoy it!!!

My take on being a Shorty Award Finalist

2011-03-23T19:46:00.000-04:00

I normally don't blog, tweet, post or like anything as Traffic Services that doesn't deal with, well...traffic. This will be a little different than the norm, but please keep reading.

The first time I ever saw a mention of a Shorty Award was last year around this time when the winners were being announced and a person I followed won. I looked to see what they were and thought, "That's a great idea!" And to be considered the "Oscars of Twitter" made them even more special.

A few months ago, I had fun nominating and supporting other people's nominations. I was even fortunate enough to have a few nominations thrown my way, which was a surprise to me but I felt truly honoured to be thought of in that light.

Then the notification came that I was a finalist in the Connecting People Category presented by Nokia. As my son would say, "I did not see that coming!"

What an incredible way to be thought of...as someone who connects people.

My goal is to reduce collisions, injuries and death and using a tool like Twitter and Facebook to help do that has been a great experience for me. Building bridges between the police and the community, the drivers and the cyclists, the pedestrians and the drivers has been an absolute blast.

Helping each road user group understand the specific needs or the other has been just as educational for me as I hope it has been for you. Knowing that I have influenced people to think about traffic safety is awesome.

Nurturing relationships in a cyber world to the point they are as honest and true as a person to person environment has been so very rewarding.

Connecting one group to another through key people who can help and offer assistance about an issue has been unbelievably satisfying.

And I can't forget the real reason I am even being considered as a finalist in this awesome category...YOU. You have allowed me to share my information. You have listened to what I have had to say. You have shared information with me. You have shared information with others. You have made the difference. You have said that you had never given traffic safety a second thought until I shared it with you.

You have made our roads safer; you have made each other safer.

What do you know...I was able to make this about traffic ;)

So, winning or losing on Monday night really won't be that important because I have won so much already, because of you.

Thank you for that.

Finally to my fellow finalists. @jaybumaom @amandapalmer @shannonmmiller @kyraocity @OneDegreeFromMe (Jay, Amanda, Shannon, Kyra and Paul)

Congratulations; for being nominated, becoming a finalist and winning already...because you have all been recognized for connecting people and that makes someones life, some where, some way a little better.

No matter what, on Tuesday I will still be asking, "How can I help you?"

Distracted Driving - Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-13T12:41:00.000-05:00

Monday February 14th...HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

I really hope you have taken the time to tell the people in your life how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them. After all, Valentines Day is the day to do it. In reality, if someone means something special to you....you should tell them every chance you can.

Now, I'm not a specialist in relationships, psychology, sociology or anything like that, so I won't continue on the "tell them you love them" rant. I will say, there is a really good reason that I'm suggesting it though. There is a significant chance, it could be the last time you ever see them alive.

Do you have any idea how many people around us are texting, talking emailing, reading, eating or doing any number of "ing" things while they are driv-ing?

I see it everyday driving around...people using a device that has nothing to so with the task of driving a car. Call it what you want; distracted, multi-tasked, inattentive, ignorant, unsafe, uncalled for...just don't call it safe or acceptable. And I'm not the only one who sees it. You see it too. You probably complain about it and look at others with disgust and contempt when you see it.

Then you hope like crazy no one sees you when you take that 'important call'. You hold your phone strategically in your lap so you can glance at the screen when the 'life and death' text message comes in. You justify that there is an incredible value to the email that you have been waiting for...so much value you read it while travelling 120 km/h...that email has more value than your life, my life, or the lives of everyone else around you.

Since February 1, 2010, Ontario Police have been able to lay charges for distracted driving. In Toronto that has meant 16,708 charges in one year. (Feb 1, 2010 to Feb 1, 2011)

According to studies that have been done, a driver who is texting increases the chance of being in a crash 23 X. A driver who is talking increases their risk 4 X.

So, my suggestion for Valentines Day this year along with every day leading up to it and everyday after it...tell the people that are special in your lives how much they mean to you. With a lot of people around you risking your life, its only a matter of time before the odds catch up to you.

If you are one of the people who are driving distracted...then hopefully when you crash it will only be minor. Could you imagine how you would feel the rest of your life if you were responsible for killing someone on the most romantic day of the year?

Take a few minutes to watch this video about the REALITY of distracted driving.

Feel free to day to take the No Phone Zone Pledge.

Winter Driving Tips from Toronto Police

2011-02-02T05:35:00.000-05:00

Special thanks to my partner, Hugh Smith for compiling the information contained in this press release.
If you have any other safe driving tips for winter, please add them in the comments section.

Following too close!

Winter driving tips
Toronto Police Service

Broadcast time: 2:14 PM

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Traffic services

416 808 1900

This will be the first Major winter storm of the season for the Toronto area. The heavy snowfall and blowing snow may cause whiteout conditions making for extremely hazardous driving conditions.

The public should be prepared to change plans accordingly to avoid unnecessary travel during the storm.

To ensure you are ready for the rest of the winter season, here are some reminders from the Toronto Police Service.

Driving – avoid any unnecessary trips.

Slow down and leave more space; driving slower allows more time for reaction and reduces stopping distances.
Look well beyond where you are travelling, and utilize your mirrors to be aware of your surroundings and other traffic.
Try to identify possible hazards well in advance.
Drive within your ability, as well as the vehicles limits and the equipment you have for the conditions.
Continually evaluate the need for driving, changing environmental conditions and road conditions.
You should avoid driving while wearing heavy boots, gloves and cumbersome coats. Carry these items with you. The size of these items can hinder your ability to feel the controls and limit your movement.

Equipment

Tires: whether you are opting for winter, snow or all-season tires, ensure they are in good condition and are properly inflated.
Battery: have your vehicle's electrical system and battery level checked to ensure adequate cold weather starts.
Wipers: change worn or broken blades.
Washer fluid: reservoirs should be filled, and carry an extra container of fluid.
Booster cables: a set of cables is great insurance to help not only yourself, but others.
Snow brush/scraper: a long-handled brush, scraper or a broom, are essential for clearing your entire vehicle of snow and ice.

Extras:

Pack a survival kit for the winter driving season
Include food, water, blankets, candles, lighter/matches, winter boots, gloves, and hats.

Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. Stay informed with what’s happening at Traffic Services by following us on Twitter (TrafficServices), and Facebook (Toronto Police – Traffic Services), and the Blog.

Constable Hugh Smith, Traffic Services

Traffic Safety Quiz on Twitter / Facebook

2011-01-25T09:48:00.000-05:00

Today at 10am @TrafficServices will be doing a traffic safety quiz on Twitter and Facebook.
(Sorry for anyone whose wall gets filled by this, but hey, it's all in the name of public safety.

On Twitter follow the hash tag #trafficsafety.
Please include that hash tag with your response or comments.

Questions will be identified as Q1, Q2, Q3, etc. answers should be #trafficsafety A1, A2, A3, etc.

At the end of the quiz, I will post resources and links for more information.

This is a 3 part quiz consisting of 15 questions. It will move fast, but I will try to give everyone time to respond if they wish.

Feel free to ask supplemental questions and I will attempt to answer those as well.

Please ReTweet (RT) any information that you find useful or relevant.

As always, keep the answers clean and respectful.

The goal of this is to raise awareness with education for issues regarding road safety in the drive to reduce collisions, injury and death.

Thanks, have fun and see you there.

This is meant to be fun and educational so enjoy it!!!

Future Wish List for Vehicle Safety

2011-01-24T11:27:00.002-05:00

Last week's post was the response to me asking people via Twitter and Facebook what present safety features on vehicles they thought were the most important. This week, the question was modified slightly:

Once again, there were a lot of comments from you that were great ideas. They broke down into two basic categories though.
Drivers and Vehicles

And there is no way in the world I can argue with either category or the suggestions made. Mainly because from a traffic safety stand point, they made sense and they were your opinions.

So lets look at them:
Drivers:
Sober
Attentive
Better Skill
Annual Testing
Better Training
Pay Attention
Emotionally Stable
Un-Distracted
Responsible
Common Sense
More Education
Working Brain
Thinking
Advanced Training

Vehicles
Better Automated Lighting Systems
Winter / Snow Tires in Winter
Ignition Interlock
Radar Warning System for Objects Ahead
Proximity Alarms
Full Harness Seat belts
Roll Cages
Red Light Closing Warning
Cell / Wifi / 3G / 4G Signal Blockers
Speed Alarms (Transponders on speed signs)
Blind Spot Alarms
Pedal Extensions
Foam Stuff from Demolition Man
Emergency Vehicle Warning System
Amber Rear Turn Signals
Infra Red Warning System for Night Time Driving

As you can see, there are a lot of things that can be done from both a driver and vehicle aspect that could make our roads safer.

Some of the vehicle things that I would love to see are the signal jammers which wouldn't allow for cell phone, text, email, video signals to be sent or received in a vehicle. (Naturally the exception being a 911 outbound call). Ignition interlocks that would not allow a vehicle to be started if alcohol is detected from the driver. Proximity alarms for blind spots and rear area would be a nice touch also. I'd also really like to see speed limiters.

My concern with all the technology though is that there is a real distinct possibility that drivers would start to rely too much on the technology convenience and forget the skills that are required for safe operation. If the technology ever failed, you'd still want a driver that can operate a vehicle safely.

So, onto the driver.

Many of the things mentioned to make drivers better, therefore roads safer are already available. Advanced driving courses, skill development training and specialized equipment (snow tires, better seat belts) are all things that each individual is capable of doing on their own or making the decisions to have them done.

Sober, attentive, aware, non-distracted drivers have made choices to be that way. Those are choices available to each and everyone of us. We would probably rather have everyone make a choice to put their smart phones, lap tops and music players in the glove box or trunk before they head out driving as opposed to a new law saying it has to be that way.

Like I said last time, all the best equipment in the world won't make any vehicle safer until a driver has adopted the proper skills, knowledge and abilities to use that equipment properly and displays the right behviour at all times. The behaviour that says, "Road safety is every one's responsibility and I'm going to do my part."

Safety Features on Vehicles

2011-01-16T16:32:00.000-05:00

Last Friday I asked for your input on Twitter and Facebook the following question.

In total there were 21 different responses. That’s amazing. What is even more amazing is that the vast majority of the safety features that you brought up have been added to vehicle design in the last generation or so.

When I look at the list that you put together it has become clear that the changes to the design of vehicles have come at a heavy price…the multiple deaths of people both inside and outside the vehicle.

It has been because of those deaths that many of the advancements in vehicle design have come to be.

Here is the complete list:

Tires

Seatbelts

Collision detection radar

Headlights

Taillights

Signals

Airbags

Anti lock brakes

Electronic stability control / traction control

Dynamic head restraints

Crumple zones

Energy absorbing materials

Brakes

Child safety seats

Horn

Side impact beams

Windows

Mirrors

Back up sensors

Child locks

The number one answer given was seatbelts followed in order by, airbags, brakes, headlights and tires.

I’m going to focus on a few of the items that you are in complete control of. You can’t do much about crumple zones, side impact beams or energy absorbing materials. For those, we should thank the manufacturers for placing those items into the design of vehicles

Seatbelts – 1976 it became mandatory for the use of seatbelts. Since that time deaths have been decreasing. There is no arguing their importance. Still some people don’t wear them.

Anti-lock brakes / Brakes – These are a given. But so many people rely on them alone for getting them out of trouble. Proper following distance will extend the life of your brakes.

Lights / Signals– Daytime running lights were a great addition to the safety features of lighting. Most systems only turn on the headlights though and don’t activate the taillights in inclement weather conditions. Make sure you flip your entire system on for best visibility. Signaling (including the horn) is the only way you can communicate with the outside word of what your intentions are. We get along on the roads so much better when we all know what is going on with each other.

Tires – Most people have no idea how small the area of contact is that attaches your vehicle to the road. Making sure that your tires are in great condition, at the proper pressure and have adequate tread depth is so important.

Everything in the list that you all added are all great safety features. Here is the last one that I will talk about…the driver.

A few of you mentioned the driver as a present safety feature. In my humble opinion, this is the most important safety feature. It doesn’t matter what safety equipment you have. How much your car cost or how incredible the features are.

The driver’s attitude, behaviour and ability are truly what makes the difference in terms of road safety. Great drivers obey the laws, drive within the limits of the road, the vehicle and the equipment. Great drivers respect other road users. Give me a great driver with ‘bad’ equipment any day over a bad driver with the best equipment. Great drivers understand that even with their own great abilities, other drivers don’t share the same skill so they are ready for the errors of others.

Thank you all for your input into this list. Use all your safety equipment available. Drive within the limits of conditions (road, weather and ability) and be a great road user.

New 7 Day Impoundment Legislation

2010-12-02T09:22:00.000-05:00

On December 1st, 2010 new Highway Traffic Act Offences were implemented that have to do with the impoundment of motor vehicles for various offences. The new sections come under the umbrella of the Road Safety Act, 2009 (Bill 126) and are administrative suspensions.

The sections allow for vehiclesto be impounded for 7 days when the people driving them have committed the following offences:

1.) A driver who's licence has been suspended for any reason, including default of family support (with the exception of unpaid fines or medical reasons) is caught driving. Section 55.2 HTA

2.) A driver who is required to have an ignition interlock device and are found driving without one. Section 41.4 HTA
3.) A driver caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.08 or who fails/refuses to comply with a demand made by a police officer under section 254 of the Criminal Code of Canada. Section 48.4 HTA

OK, so that is the legal stuff. Here is what it all really means and what is important for you to remember.

All these offences identify high risk road users. Those people who have a disregard for the rules of the road and the safety of all of us.

Drivers receive suspension for several reasons. Most commonly for breaking the rules of the road to such a degree that the punishment handed down by the courts is a suspension. Some offences come with mandatory suspensions and you can bet that those are the offences that are high risk behaviours that compromise the safety of everyone. (Impaired driving, stunt driving, multiple demerit point accumulations, etc) = High risk road user.

For a driver to be required to have an ignition interlock device, they have had to have broken the law in terms of drinking and driving. Part of their conviction is the order that they must have the device installed on any vehicle they drive. It is a requirement on their licence. = High risk road user.

Anyone charged with over 80 or refusing / failing to comply with the demand, naturally = High risk road users.

Like I said...the vast majority of us never have to worry about these things. It is only those drivers who have been self identified as high risk road users. Self identified? Yes, they are the ones in control of their behaviours and their actions on our roads.

They are the ones who have completely missed section 31 of the Highway Traffic Act:

Driving a privilege

The purpose of this Part is to protect the public by ensuring that,

31.

(a) the privilege of driving on a highway is granted to, and retained by, only those persons who demonstrate that they are likely to drive safely; and

(b) full driving privileges are granted to novice and probationary drivers only after they acquire experience and develop or improve safe driving skills in controlled conditions. 1993, c. 40, s. 1.

No one has the right to drive. It is a privilege and one that if you don't comply with or abide by the rules and regulations, that privilege is taken away from you.

Back to the impoundments...

The legislation doesn't say the vehicle of the driver...it says the vehicle that is being used by the driver.

So parents...are you willing to part with your car for seven days because of the behaviour choices of your children? This is something that you really need to discuss with them so that they understand the importance of good choices.

Friends...are you willing to lose your car for seven days because you loaned it to a friend? Make sure they have a licence, they aren't required to have an ignition interlock device and they aren't going to be drinking.

These are just a few of things that you have to consider. Also, the bill for the towing and impoundment doesn't go in the name of the driver...it's in the name of the registered owner of the vehicle.

Hope this help to educate a few people.

Remember, RIDE is out there all this month.

Pedestrian collision prevention - Education, Awareness and Responsibility

2010-11-19T08:38:00.000-05:00

My daughters are in the thick of learning how to read right now. Some words they see and say, some they sound out and get right, while others they just can’t find the ways yet to put the sounds together and miss it completely.

When that happens, I have a choice to make. Do I help them with the word or just ignore their mistakes and let them go on repeating their errors? I mean, at their age, who really cares…it’s not like they are reading anything that can be the difference between passing their grade or failing…yet. But I can assure you, if their errors aren’t pointed out, it will make a huge difference someday. As painful as it may be, pointing out their errors is in their best interest for long-term success.

It’s a lot like pedestrian safety. My partner and I had a very busy day answering media questions about the ‘sudden spike’ in pedestrian collisions over the last 48 hours. (If you go back to just before Halloween, we were warning people that this was going to happen.)

The media wanted to know who is to blame, who is at fault, why is this happening and why people aren’t getting the message. So we responded to the questions.

Who is to blame?

Simple…road users.

Who is at fault?

Simple…road users who aren’t aware, alert and observant.

Why is this happening?

Human error, distraction, environment, daylight savings time, clothing choices, ambient light, on and on.

Why aren’t people getting the message?

No answer from me…I guess you would have to ask the people who are causing the problems.

You see, road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Plain and simple. Everyone who uses the roads plays a role in the ensuring safety for themselves and for the other road users around them.

When a pedestrian is stuck by a vehicle, the pedestrian will always be on the losing end. The easy thing to do would be to blame the driver for not doing their part in ensuring the safety of the pedestrian. But, sometimes that is not the right thing to do, nor is it ever the proper thing to do for long term success of reducing collisions, injury and death.

A pedestrian who isn’t watching where they are going, disobeying traffic signals, impeding traffic, wearing dark clothes at night, crossing mid-block is not doing anything to help keep our roads safe. They aren’t doing anything to keep themselves safe.

A driver who is distracted, travelling too fast for conditions, not looking where they need to be, impaired, etc, is not doing anything to help keep our roads safe. They aren’t doing anything to keep themselves safe and they aren’t doing anything to keep pedestrians safe.

A pedestrian who crosses a street mid-block at night wearing dark clothing, texting, where street lights are burnt out while listening to an MP3 player is doing nothing in terms of taking personal responsibility for their own safety. According to many people today, I should ignore that and never point things out like that because I could be blaming the ‘victim’ (I’ll get to that in a minute).

You bet I’m going to point that out!

Now, what if a car strikes that pedestrian? You bet I’m going to question why the driver didn’t see the pedestrian. I’m going to ask about the speed, the lighting the location, the sight lines, the environment. I’m going to point out that each road user has responsibility for one another.

Interviews

This whole post is because of how interviews are turned into reports. You can be sure that when PC Hugh Smith and I are interviewed we look at all angles of any incident and where there is a safety message to any category of road user, driver, cyclist, pedestrian or transit user, we include it.

Anytime there are two people involved, each of their actions will be analyzed. If there is any message that we can bring to light to help educate and raise awareness, we’ll bring it up.

But, no matter what we say, we do not have the last word. It is always up to the reporters to file and even then, editors and producers have their opportunity to massage a report. So the final copy rarely tells the whole story.

So when you read or watch, understand that there is way more information that doesn’t make a story than does.

Victim

In traffic safety, we avoid referring to anyone as a victim. Since a pedestrian is considered a vulnerable road user, (none or little protection), people naturally refer to them as the victim. They do get the worst of it after all. We refer to them as the injured party. Simply stated they are not always the victim. A pedestrian that steps onto the roadway into the path of the car, not allowing the driver any opportunity to avoid striking that pedestrian can very successfully be argued as the actually the victim of someone else’s action. Sure the pedestrian is going to be on the losing end.

All the parties involved are victimized in one manner or another. Our society as a whole can be argued as the victims. Because of a bad crash, roads get closed, transportation flow is compromised, people miss meetings, goods are delayed, infrastructure suffers, etc…we are all victims.

In the end, if our road safety messaging is interpreted as placing blame, then so be it. I would rather point out the mistakes that have led to road tragedies in an effort to educate others from making the same mistakes then to ignore the obvious and allow the same mistakes to be perpetuated.

So, that’s my view. What are yours? Agree, disagree? Let me know. The communication is what creates awareness and education. Thanks for reading.

Sharing the road with streetcars

2010-10-06T12:58:00.000-04:00

Streetcars present a unique challenge to Toronto road users, but at the same time are very simple to share the road with. A couple of things that make them easy to be around is that they can't change lanes, they are very visible and they are only found on roads with rail lines running on them. They only turn onto roads that also have intersecting tracks, but they do make those turns from lanes that we aren't accustomed to seeing traffic legally turn from. In fact, if you make the same turn they do...you will be charged.

They are recognized in the Highway Traffic Act because there are specific laws regarding them and how you need to behave around them to be sharing the road with them for every one's safety.

Almost every law that applies to the driver of a motor vehicle or a cyclist applies to the operator of a streetcar and vice verse.

You can pass a streetcar that is in motion on the right side only. Like every rule, there are exceptions...

If the streetcar is travelling on a one-way street, you can pass it on the left.
You can not pass on the right through the approach area of a pedestrian crossover.

Always look at a streetcar as a moving intersection, after all it does have stop signs on it. When a streetcar is approaching an intersection don't try to pass it. You can safely assume that it is going to stop. When it stops, the side doors may or may not open. The safest practice is to stay behind the streetcar until it goes into motion again.

You can't see past it so trying to pass it at an intersection is a recipe for trouble in the case where a pedestrian is trying to catch it from the side you can't see or a car/cyclist blows a red light and creams you as you clear the front of the streetcar.

When the doors are open it is against the law to pass it or approach the doors to closely. This applies to both motor vehicle drivers, cyclists, skateboarders, roller bladers, e-bikes, etc.

Pedestrians are not allowed onto the roadway until the streetcar has come to a full stop and the doors have opened. Having said that...they will, so again, go back to the point of don't pass a streetcar as it nears an intersection.

For those of you that complain that streetcars enter intersections on amber lights, you should know that there is a mechanism on them that talks to the intersection. It holds that light amber so that the streetcar can make it through which creates a better traffic flow for all of us.

The LRT lines are designed to specifically allow a free flow of traffic around the street car lanes. No vehicles are allowed on them except streetcars and other authorized TTC vehicles. (You will on occasion see police, fire and ambulance use them - seconds save lives).

Make sure when you are travelling parallel to LRT lines (Spadina, Queens Quay, StClair to name a few) that you pay attention to the traffic signals especially at turning points. The streetcars have their own signals as do you....mix them up and you run the risk of being T-boned by 20 tonnes or so of metal.

Here are some safety tips from the TTC website

Here is the Highway Traffic Act

Speed Trap Capital of the World

2010-09-03T07:01:00.010-04:00

Wow, what an amazing amount of attention Toronto got this week after it was revealed on a website that we are the Speed Trap Capital of the World!!

It was a very busy 24 hours after that news broke, but what exactly does it mean? 250 locations (give or take) on the list, crowd sourced information, not really verified and what do they class as a speed trap?

Lets kick this off by talking about traps:

• a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned

• drain consisting of a U-shaped section of drainpipe that holds liquid and so prevents a return flow of sewer gas

• something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unaware; "the exam was full of trap questions"; "it was all a snare and delusion"

• a device to hurl clay pigeons into the air for trapshooters

• place in a confining or embarrassing position; "He was trapped in a difficult situation"

• ambush: the act of concealing yourself and lying in wait to attack by surprise

• catch in or as if in a trap; "The men trap foxes"

• informal terms for the mouth

• a light two-wheeled carriage

So I guess we can agree that there is no way what we are doing can be considered traps.

Posted speed limits, uniforms, equipment, cars, motorcycles...any decent driver that is

observant and scanning their route of travel surely has to see the police enforcement. Often times, other stopped cars can even be a clue. One prominent driving advocate even stated he has seen as many as eight officers at a location…not much of a ‘trap’.

Who is in control of the speed of a vehicle? The passenger? The other cars? The pedestrians? Nope…it’s the driver. Gas pedal for faster, brake pedal for slower. What is the incentive for the drivers to speed? Tickets, possible insurance rate hikes, demerit points, loss of license, etc. Or is the incentive to avoid tickets? By doing something crazy like, I don’t know…travelling the speed limit.

Road safety is based on three simple tenants.

Education
Awareness
Enforcement

(You can add in engineering but that’s not in law enforcements hands).

Folks, we do enforcement based in one simple principal…safety. We educate and raise awareness so that we can avoid the enforcement. But, there will always be some people who choose to risk all our safety in one manner or another. We will always be there to address them appropriately.

If you combine all other crimes committed you would not come close to devastation and societal impacts that traffic related incidents have on us. You are far more likely to be in a collision than you are to be the victim of violence. Go to any community meeting, town hall meeting and you are sure to find that traffic related matters (speeding and parking in particular) top the list of concerns of the community.

Two of the main ways we determine locations are:

Community generated concerns reported to us asking for our help making their neighbourhoods safer
Crash analysis that has indicated a need for enforcement/education/awareness

One of the things this list indicates to me is how plugged in and tech savvy Toronto is. You have given that site more locations that New York, LA and Montreal residents combined. Way to go.

I can’t believe how many of those locations I’ve actually stood in ‘beaming’ the traffic. Some of them though…don’t think they were actually speed enforcement locations, bit more likely officers sitting at the side of the road doing reports and passerby’s have fed the locations as a radar spot.

So, thank you Toronto for helping us spread the word and show the world how committed the Toronto Police Service is to road safety. We have made it a priority <-(PDF) for several years now in an effort to reduce collisions, injuries and death in Toronto.

Interesting fact…Los Angeles is about 2X the size (population) of Toronto and has about 2X more sworn officers. According the Speed Trap Site, we have about 2X more locations than them.

In 2008 (last published numbers for LA) they had 234 fatalities…Toronto had 54.

So let me know are there any areas that you particularly like? Any locations you would like to add to the list? Let me know. Love to hear from you.

Bicycle Helmets...you choose

2010-08-17T09:36:00.006-04:00

Bicycle helmets have been a very hot topic in Toronto the last few days. On Friday August 13th, a cyclist died after a fall from his bicycle almost a month earlier. He struck his head which ultimately led to his death.

I issued a news release about the death and the same day that it was released via the Toronto Police Website, the Toronto Sun published an article that urges mandatory helmet use according to an Alberta study.

So, looking at raising public awareness over the issue, I Tweeted and Facebooked (is that a word?) both the news release and the article...then the storm came.

The word 'helmet' became a trending topic on Twitter in Toronto and the conversation was heated on both sides of the issue. Some people argue that helmets should be mandatory while others say that the choice is up to the individual.

My opinion is simple...what is safest should stand. Mandatory? Not sure on that, but should you choose to wear one? Absolutely!!

You can't tell me one solid reason for not wearing one...I've heard plenty, but not ones I'd support. But, I can give you one good one. A helmet protects your brain. You know that thing inside your skull, pretty much runs your body...only get one, can't be fixed thing?

But, who am I to say...here are some other opinions.

http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/276/24/1968

(Thanks to @bradeinarsen for the link)

But there are lots more...

http://www.bhsi.org/index.htm#statistics

Best line I have ever heard?

"Let me first say that I didn't start swearing a helmet regularly until AFTER I WOKE UP FROM THE COMA"

See the whole article for that line:

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/09/on-bicycle-helmets.php

So...whats your opinion? Your views, thoughts, arguments.

Do you have any research that can support helmets, no helmets. Can you make a strong point?

Let me know and have your say here...pls keep it clean!

To see some of the conversations that took place look at the following Twitter Streams

@TrafficServices

@DuncansCityRide

@BikeTree

@BikingToronto

#bikeTO

Guest Post - Why Do Cops Get To Harass People?

2010-08-07T08:44:00.004-04:00

I have to confess right off the bat here, this is not my original thought. I wish I was talented enough to come up with this stuff on my own. I am re-posting this. It is from a good friend of mine who has a blog as well. http://www.motorcopblog.com/

Just like Motorcop, I found it funny and thought I would share it too.

You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook as well.

Please remember, commenting is welcomed, just keep it clean and respectful. Even if you don't agree with what is said, be polite and factual about how you tell us you don't agree. If you agree, same thing, be clean and polite.

I don't often straight plagiarize or just post something someone else has written...but the BlogStocker sent me something I couldn't resist posting. Please to enjoy...

Recently, the Chula Vista Police Department ran an e-mail forum (a question and answer exchange) with the topic being, "Community Policing."

One of the civilian email participants posed the following question: "I would like to know how it is possible for police officers to continually harass people and get away with it?"

From the "other side" (the law enforcement side) Sgt. Bennett, obviously a cop with a sense of humor replied:

"First of all, let me tell you this...it's not easy. In Chula Vista , we average one cop for every 600 people. Only about 60% of those cops are on general duty (or what you might refer to as "patrol") where we do most of our harassing.

The rest are in non-harassing departments that do not allow them contact with the day to day innocents. And at any given moment, only one-fifth of the 60% patrollers are on duty and available for harassing people while the rest are off duty. So roughly, one cop is responsible for harassing about 5,000 residents.

When you toss in the commercial business, and tourist locations that attract people from other areas, sometimes you have a situation where a single cop is responsible for harassing 10,000 or more people a day.

Now, your average ten-hour shift runs 36,000 seconds long. This gives a cop one second to harass a person, and then only three-fourths of a second to eat a donut AND then find a new person to harass. This is not an easy task. To be honest, most cops are not up to this challenge day in and day out. It is just too tiring. What we do is utilize some tools to help us narrow down those people which we can realistically harass.

The tools available to us are as follows:

PHONE: People will call us up and point out things that cause us to focus on a person for special harassment. "My neighbor is beating his wife" is a code phrase used often. This means we'll come out and give somebody some special harassment.

Another popular one is, "There's a guy breaking into a house." The harassment team is then put into action.

CARS: We have special cops assigned to harass people who drive. They like to harass the drivers of fast cars, cars with no insurance or no driver's licenses and the like. It's lots of fun when you pick them out of traffic for nothing more obvious than running a red light. Sometimes you get to really heap the harassment on when you find they have drugs in the car, they are drunk, or have an outstanding warrant on file.

RUNNERS: Some people take off running just at the sight of a police officer. Nothing is quite as satisfying as running after them like a beagle on the scent of a bunny. When you catch them you can harass them for hours.

STATUTES: When we don't have PHONES or CARS and have nothing better to do, there are actually books that give us ideas for reasons to harass folks. They are called "Statutes"; Criminal Codes, Motor Vehicle Codes, etc... They all spell out all sorts of things for which you can really mess with people.

After you read the statute, you can just drive around for awhile until you find someone violating one of these listed offenses and harass them. Just last week I saw a guy trying to steal a car. Well, there's this book we have that says that's not allowed. That meant I got permission to harass this guy. It is a really cool system that we have set up, and it works pretty well.

We seem to have a never-ending supply of folks to harass. And we get away with it. Why? Because for the good citizens who pay the tab, we try to keep the streets safe for them, and they pay us to "harass" some people.

Next time you are in my town, give me the old "single finger wave." That's another one of those codes. It means, "You can harass me." It's one of our favorites.

People argue to be able to drink and drive!

2010-07-31T21:08:00.007-04:00

Why do people still insist on driving after they have been drinking? Why do drivers speed at ridiculous rates through residential neighbourhoods, or anywhere else for that matter?

I had the misfortune today of attending a fatal crash in North York this morning. A car was travelling at a high rate of speed and was T-boned in an intersection on a quiet little side street.

The debris field was huge. 2 cars absolutely destroyed. 1 person dead and 4 sent to hospital. One of the drivers was arrested for an alcohol offence related to driving. The car he was driving was the one that the deceased person was in, that was allegedly speeding and allegedly went through a stop sign.

Between Twitter and Facebook there were lots of messages condemning drinking and driving and aggressive driving. That led to some conversation about the new 21 and under law. Surprisingly in some of that conversation stream, people were willing to chastise the new law for being age discriminatory or unacceptable on some level because of a Zero BAC requirement.

WHAT??? Why in the world would people argue to be able to drink and drive. I mean that's really what it comes down to. That is what you are arguing for...to defend your desire to drink and drive. Think about it. If you argue against a zero BAC, or the newer "Warn Range" Suspensions being too restrictive, or the legal limit being too low, you are arguing in essence to be allowed to drive a 2000 pound weapon with an an intoxicant in your system!

How about supporting the notion of someone drinking while walking down the street with a loaded machine gun.

I had a number of people ask my opinion on the law and what I believe. Some asked if I believe it should be just 21 and under or all drivers. Well, you probably know me well enough by now to know what my answer was:

IF YOU DRINK, DON'T DRIVE!

2010 Scotiabank Caribana Festival Parade Information

2010-07-30T09:50:00.005-04:00

On Saturday, July 31, 2010, the 43rd Annual Scotiabank Caribana Festival Parade will take place on Lake Shore Blvd. W. between Strachan Avenue and Colbourne Lodge Drive.The festival will require numerous road closures, restrictions which will lead to delays and congestion in the immediate area of the parade.

Road Closures:
The following Gardiner Expressway ramps will be closed at 12:30 a.m., on Saturday, July 31st, 2010:
E/B Gardiner Expressway and Jameson exit, Jameson entrance and B.C. entrance.
W/B Gardiner Expressway and Dunn Ave. exit ramp.

Lakeshore Blvd. W. will be closed to traffic at 1:30 a.m., from westbound Strachan Ave. to Parkside Dr. and eastbound from Colbourne Lodge to Strachan Ave. on Saturday, July 31st, 2010.

Caribana will set up their Market Place locations south of the Lakeshore Blvd. W. on the Thursday and Friday prior to the day of the event. Their final move in of goods and supplies will be on Saturday, morning from 1:30 a.m.. to 8:00 a.m., then all vendors will be refused entry. All access for vendors will be via Lakeshore Blvd. W. and Colborne Lodge Dr., eastbound on Lakeshore Blvd. W. from Ellis Ave. or Windermere Ave.

All vendors must have a Caribana permit adhered to their front windshield in good condition or entry will be refused. (One permit per vehicle - absolutely NO exceptions)

Parade bands/ floats/trucks will access the formation area via Lakeshore Blvd. W. and Strachan Ave., then travel west to Newfoundland Rd. to enter the Exhibition Grounds Formation Area. The cut off time for entry into the formation area is 1000 hrs however, any late arrivals will be permitted into a staging area on the north side of Lakeshore Blvd W. from Strachan Ave to Newfoundland. The late arrivals will be permitted northbound on Newfoundland Ave at three separate times for 15 minute intervals each (10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.). Entry will not be permitted at any other point. Support vehicles will exit prior to 10:00 hrs from Newfoundland Rd. and Lakeshore Blvd. W., then eastbound on Lakeshore Blvd. W. to Strachan Ave.

Tour Buses: are to be directed to the Loading Docks on the east side of the Direct Energy Centre at Canada Blvd. south of Manitoba Dr.

Disabled Parking: will be at the Direct Energy Centre. Enter via Manitoba Dr. and Strachan Ave. then south on Canada Blvd. to the entrance ramp of the Direct Energy Centre.

V.I.P.’s and Media parking will be in the direct Energy Centre: underground parking garage west side.

Volunteers are to use the Dufferin St. access to gain entry to Parking Lot “4” on Saskatchewan Rd north of Princes’ Blvd.

All vehicle access to Ontario Place will be through Remembrance Dr. at Lakeshore Blvd. W. and Strachan Ave. Vehicles exiting Ontario Place will do so only at Lakeshore Blvd. W. and Ontario Place Blvd. and will travel eastbound on Lakeshore Blvd. W. only.

RESTRICTED ACCESS POINTS

In order to assist the safe movement of traffic and to provide for as little disruption as possible to residents, the following streets will have a restricted access, for vehicles:

Dufferin St. south of King St. W.
Dowling Ave. south of King St. W.
Stadium Rd. south of Lakeshore Blvd. W.
Queens Quay W. west of Bathurst St.
Springhurst Ave. west of Jameson Ave.
Springhurst Ave. east of Jameson Ave.

Other streets, although not restricted to vehicles, will be strictly enforced for parking infractions. These streets are in the area south of King St. W., east of Colborne Lodge and west of Bathurst St.

VEHICLE PASSES

There are several vehicle passes for Caribana participants, volunteers and V.I.P.s. There are also vehicle or personal identification cards used by employees of Exhibition Place and Ontario Place. All of these passes are valid for the given location or event specified in the specific traffic details. Caribana has assigned marshals to the entrance to the formation area at Lakeshore Blvd. W. and Strachan Ave.

The final move in for Vendors will be between 01:30 a.m., and 8:00 a.m., on Saturday morning. All vendors must enter the Market Place from the west end of the closure on Lakeshore Blvd. W. from Colborne Lodge Dr. only. All vendors approaching the closure southbound on Parkside Dr. will be directed west to Colborne Lodge Dr. to enter the closure. The Vendor Holding Area will be east of Parkside Dr. to the area near the Palais Royale.

Drivers entering Lakeshore Blvd. W. are to be advised to drive slowly and watch for pedestrians and obey directions of Caribana Marshals.

BATHURST ST. CLOSURE

Vehicle access west of Bathurst St. on Fleet St. and Lakeshore Blvd. W. may be closed after the parking lots at Ontario Place and Exhibition Place Gore Lots are full. This closure will be in effect as required.

TOWING POLICY

All vehicles including tour buses, parked illegally on Lakeshore Blvd. W. (including the grassed area), Bathurst St., Fleet St., King St. W., Queen St. W., Roncesvalles Ave., Dufferin St. and The Queensway will be tagged and towed.

Vehicles parked illegally in the Parkdale and Stadium Rd. areas will be tagged and towed.

The Parking Enforcement Unit will be mainly responsible for towing issues.

T.T.C.

TTC: The T.T.C. will be putting 25 buses on the Parkside Dr. route starting at 8:40 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2010. This will be an express route to the Keele St. Station from the Palais Royale area on Lakeshore Blvd. W. Bus lanes will be marked by the placement of cones on Lakeshore Blvd. W. by the T.T.C.

The Jameson Ave. bus route will have approximately 12 buses in service and will not stop at Springhurst Ave. when southbound. The drop off and pick up area will be a temporary T.T.C. bus stop on the south side of the westbound lanes of Lakeshore Blvd. W., between Dunn Ave. and Jameson Ave., for the express buses to the Bloor St. W. subway line. To maintain this bus route Springhurst Blvd. must be kept clear of parked vehicles between Jameson Ave. and Dunn Ave.

The Dufferin St. bus line will have approximately 65 - 70 buses assigned to handle the heavy crowds. It will not enter Exhibition Place Grounds.

The Bathurst St. streetcars will drop off passengers on the north side of Fleet St. Streetcars and buses leaving Exhibition Place will not stop at Strachan Ave.

T.T.C. service to and from the east end of the event will be through the Manitoba Dr. and Strachan Ave. area of Exhibition Place.

TTC will stop at Fort York Blvd., and Fleet St., to enable any passengers attending Ontario Place to exit at this location.

The Princes’ Gates will remain closed on Saturday, July 31st, 2010 commencing at 12:01 am.

General Parking is provided by Exhibition Place inside the grounds in the underground lot at the Direct Energy Centre, and Lot #6. Lot #4 is the Volunteer Parking Lot. There is also parking available in the Gore Lot (n/side Lakeshore Blvd. W. east of Strachan Ave).

ONTARIO PLACE

Access to Ontario Place will be possible along Remembrance Dr. from Lakeshore Blvd. W. and Strachan Ave. Ontario Place parking lots will be open during this event. Exit from Ontario Place will be at Ontario Place Blvd. and Lakeshore Blvd. W. to travel eastbound only.

All Ontario Place employees have their own identification provided by Ontario Place. Should a road closure take place at Bathurst St., people from Ontario Place (with valid vehicle passes) and Yacht Club members will be allowed through the closure point.

VENDORS

The vendor check area for the parklands (FMC Vendors) will be located eastbound Lakeshore Blvd. W. between Colborne Lodge Dr., and Parkside Dr. Caribana officials, Security, and Police personnel will be present.

C.N.E. Vendors will be allowed to enter Exhibition Place Grounds at all times provided they have the proper Exhibition Place Vendor passes/identification.

LOST CHILDREN

Lost children will be taken to the Queen Elizabeth Building Exhibit Hall on the north side of Princes Blvd. west of Ontario Dr. The location will be signed as such.

At 10:00 p.m., any remaining children will be transported to No. 14 Division which is located at 150 Harrison Street, Toronto (416)808-1400

The Gardiner Expressway is a restricted access highway which will be patrolled to ensure that vehicles are not parked adjacent to the parade route and pedestrians do not enter the highway area. Drivers who chose to stop or drive in a manner that puts other road users at risk will be subject to strict enforcement.Due to the large number of visitors and continuous events that occur with the festival, intermittent road closures may occur throughout the downtown core, without notice, in the evenings and nights of Friday, July 31 to Sunday August 2 in the interest of public safety.Historically, Yonge Street and the Entertainment District access has been restricted in the evenings and overnight.It is recommended that you make yourself aware of alternative routes before heading into the downtown or entertainment district areas to avoid delays.

Can YOU stop impaired driving?

2010-07-21T09:52:00.005-04:00

According to StatsCan Impaired driving offences have risen for a third consecutive year across Canada. There was a 3% rise from 2008 to 2009. As far as I'm concerned, that is ridiculous.

Governments across the country at both the federal and provincial levels have been making great strides to combat these offences with sanctions, tougher sentences, greater awareness and new laws, but the offence keeps happening!

By and large, the vast majority of us seem to get the fact that it is socially unacceptable to drive impaired. But it seems that many are still doing it. Death, injury, financial ruin, job loss, are things that are very real consequences from such an irrational decision to drive while impaired.

So what's the answer? How do we stop this offence from occurring? The police have their ideas, courts theirs and governments their own...but what about you? What do you think is the answer to curbing this stat from continuing it's upward climb? Here is your chance to voice your thoughts.

Let me give you some numbers to think about: 2009
Total Arrests in Canada for Impaired: 88,630
Total Arrests in Toronto: 2253
Per 100,000 in Canada: 263
Per 100,000 in Toronto: 90

As you can see, Toronto is doing very well compared to the rest of Canada, but very well just doesn't cut it when we are talking about life changing implications such as permanent disability and death because of a preventable, selfish criminal act.

And let's be realistic...2253 people that were caught while driving impaired. How many slipped through that we have no idea about? How many think that they will get away with having 'one for the road'?

What do you think should happen to those people that endanger all our lives. What could be an effective deterrent to stop the people that are willing to sacrifice the lives of our children, our spouses, our parents, our friends?

Its obvious that the threat of a criminal record, licence suspension, death and injury don't stop some of the population...so what will?

I would love to hear what you think. Get creative, be genius...who knows maybe your collective thoughts will send a clear message to our law makers, our courts and most importantly to those people who just don't get it.

Here are a couple of suggestions that I've heard in the past to get the ball rolling;Life time driving ban.
Special licence plates.
De-criminalize low alcohol limits and provide huge fines with long suspensions.

So do me a favour. Please take some time, and let me know what YOU think. Tell me YOUR ideas. Between this blog, Twitter, Facebook and anything else I can think of, I know there is a gem out there that has not been given enough consideration and you could be the person or group responsible for reducing collisions, injuries and death, not just here...but everywhere!

ENOUGH!

2010-07-06T06:17:00.005-04:00

Guest Post by Sharon DeVellis

Feature Blogger for http://www.yummymummyclub.ca/ and http://Twitter.com/SharonDV
July 05, 2010

Warning...language is not suitable for younger readers, but to edit it would remove the passion that Sharon brought to this post.

I’m so beyond pissed off right now I can’t stand it. While putting on make up this morning while watching Breakfast Television, I listened as Kevin Frankish reported about how a father died in front of his two kids, ages 7 and 11, last night.

Was it a long weekend freak accident? Did he have a heart attack?

No. He was killed from a head-on collision by a driver who was going the wrong way on a major highway. The car is virtually unrecognizable with the front passenger seat pretty much obliterated.

The dad, the one sitting in the now gone front passenger seat, was killed instantly. The mom who was driving was airlifted to a hospital and is in critical condition.
The two kids are unhurt.

But not really. They aren’t fucking unhurt. They lost their father. Their mother is in a hospital and will hopefully recuperate but will have who knows how many months or years to get back to where she was.

The family? That’ll never get back to where it was, will it? Because I can tell you from experience, this accident will be the turning point in their lives. From this point forward, life for them will be known as before the accident and after the accident.

“Alcohol is being investigated as a factor in the collision.”

And this is where I say What The Fuck? And yes, I’m using f-bomb. If you’re offended, then walk away from the computer. But I earned the right to use What the fuck when two years ago a drunk driver smashed head-on into our family on a Sunday afternoon as we driving to my inlaws house to celebrate Mother’s Day. I earned it when I had to calm my screaming, bleeding child sitting by the side of the road waiting for police and paramedics to arrive. I earned it when I had to hold both my kids beside me on the ambulance ride to the hospital and when I had to see the drunk driver being admitted AHEAD OF US and he was so drunk he couldn't even tell the nurse his name.

I earned it when I chose to stay sitting with my son in my lap and didn’t get up to beat the shit out of him at that very moment.

I earned it when I had to give my child drunk driving magic every single night before bed in order for him to be able to sleep and when I went to court to read our impact statement in front of a full courtroom, only to have the man who changed our family forever not look me in the eye once, not even when I held up pictures of my sons so he could see who he hurt.

I earned it when I listened as the judge revoked his license for 15 months and gave him a fine to pay and he walked away with his wife to go home to his young child. The one who didn’t need therapy from being in a head-on collision.

So I say What The Fuck.

Because I earned it.

And now this family has earned it and they don’t deserve it.

How many people have to die or be injured in drunk driving accidents before we smarten the hell up and get stricter laws?

For the original blog post and the comments click here.

Photo by David Ritchie

~~Editor's Note~~

At this time there have been no charges laid against the driver who was 18 years old, although alcohol is suspected. In Ontario, the legal drinking age is 19...so I would expect that if alcohol is proven there will be several charges laid.

Once that happens, it is up to the courts to determine what the penalty, upon conviction, should be for:

An underage drinker who kills a father a of two young girls

Seriously injuring the surviving parent

Destroying a family in ways that we can't possibly imagine

Congratulations!!

2010-07-05T11:12:00.004-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I asked followers on Twitter to help make our roads safer by taking the #NoPhoneZone pledge. (Re-cap)...Take the pledge, let me know through facebook and twitter that you did it and I would put your Twitter ID into a randomizer, draw the names of lucky winners of some great prizes and let you know.

Well this morning I ran the names and I am happy to say that:
@Jasondevoy
@kealge
@alimarin
are all winners.

Truth be told...if everyone that signed the pledge follows through with it, we are all winners since that means safer roads for all of us.

I sent out the Tweet advising the winners to DM me so I could send them their amazing prizes. Once they have all been sent their prizes, I will let you know what the prize packs are.

To everyone who took part, I offer my sincere thanks. Like the signature on my email says, "Road safety is everyone's responsibility."

BUT, just because the draw is done, please don't let it stop you from signing up for the pledge and making your car a #NoPhoneZone. Remember, it's not the device...it's the distraction.

You can still take the pledge. Click here to help do your part.

Take The Pledge, Share and WIN!!!

2010-06-19T07:46:00.003-04:00

As many of you know, I have been a big supporter of the "No Phone Zone" Pledge that Oprah started near the beginning of this year.

The concept is simple. You decide that you want to make your car a "No Phone Zone", sign the pledge and follow through by not allowing your phone to be a distraction to your driving. It's a great idea and in Ontario...IT IS THE LAW!! $155 for talking, texting, typing, reading. Hands holding a device? $155. Watching a DVD, $155.

But really, what is the fine compared to the potential of crashing and taking the life of a loved one or yourself?

April 30, 2010 was the day for the #NoPhoneZone across the world and in Toronto, we did a great job of letting everyone know that we supported the idea. Thank goodness we did, because with the number of charges that the Toronto Police have issued to people (Over 6000 to date), I'd hate to see what it would be like if we didn't support it!

So, what is this all about? I want to keep Toronto moving toward safer roads and make Toronto the number one city in the world to support the pledge..so here is my offer.

1.) Pledge your committment to making your car a "No Phone Zone"

http://www.oprah.com/questionaire/ipledge.html?id=4

2.) Share your committment of your pledge on Facebook

There is a Share Button for Facebook on the page that appears after you submit your pledge.

3.) Let me know you pledged on Twitter
Tweet, "Hey @TrafficServices I just pledged to make my car a #NoPhoneZone #Toronto" and attach your Facebook Status Link.

I will aggregate all the Tweets that you send out between June 19 and June 23, enter them into a randomizer and allow a computer to determine who the lucky winners of 5 incredible, amazing and unbelievable prize packs will be awarded.

Once the computer spits out the Twitter ID's I will let you know via Twitter who you are and arrange for your prize pick-ups.

No Phone Zone Information

http://www.youtube.com/user/TPSTSVSafety#p/u

http://www.oprah.com/packages/no-phone-zone.html

Distracted Driving Information

http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/distracted-driving/index.shtml

http://trafficservicestps.blogspot.com/2010/04/oprah-is-on-my-blog.html

Bicycle Basics

2010-06-09T08:16:00.003-04:00

By PC Hugh Smith

Good weather in Toronto means more bicycles are on the road, and everyone needs to be aware of these smaller vehicles.

Studies indicate most motorist subconsciously don't see vehicles that are any smaller than a car. People driving automobiles need to be cognizant of their surroundings and bicycles in their area.

Things that a rider should be cognizant of is, number one be smooth. You need to know your limits, your personal limits and your bicycles limits.

Know your surroundings, who you are driving with, who is on the roadway, and never take your scenario for granted. Always be on alert for something to happen."

Wearing a helmet is always a must, wearing bright neon colors that are not found in nature. Most cycling accidents are the result of falls. Avoid loose clothing and wear appropriate footwear. Use pant leg clips to keep clothing grease free and out of the bicycle chain.

Bicyclist need to use their skills to keep them proficient. If the bike has been sitting in storage all winter, make sure the tire pressure is correct and the bike is tuned before taking it on the road. Even experienced, riders should brush up on their skills and address some of the bad habits they may have developed.

Safety however, is not just the responsibility of the cyclist, cars and trucks need to be share the road with these smaller vehicles and be aware that they are there.

"All drivers have a responsibility of being proficient behind the wheel”. They need to know how to operate their vehicle properly. They need to know their space, how much room they are taking up, and if they can actually manoeuver their vehicle in an emergency situation."

Lane position on any urban street

Highway Traffic Acts across Canada tell cyclists to ride as far to the right as is practical. Those words are hard to interpret by the road using public.

Some motorists feel cyclists should not be in the line of traffic and some cyclists interpret the law as meaning to ride on the sidewalk – but sidewalk cycling is illegal in most parts of Canada.

What it should mean is to ride far enough out from the curb that you can maintain a straight line and avoid debris, potholes and service covers.

Drivers must leave a safety cushion space between their car and the cyclist so there is no chance of collision. This safety cushion is for the cyclist to manoeuvre in while cycling through traffic.

Sidewalks are dangerous places to ride.

Recent stats show that many car-bike collisions involve a cyclist riding off sidewalks and into roadways.

Although some Canadian communities allow children’s bikes (24 inch wheels or smaller) on the sidewalk, the intention was to allow only small children to ride on the sidewalk.

Sidewalks are for pedestrians.

They are not safe havens for cyclists. Sidewalks are congested with pedestrians, strollers, wheel chairs, pets, senior citizens, doorways, planters, and entire families of unpredictable window shoppers.

Road traffic is more predictable.

Educated and seasoned cyclists have the knowledge and skills required to ride on the road. Rules of the road, risk management, handling skills, decision making are all part of their experience. Choose to improve your skills.

Cyclists are part of traffic and have all the rights and responsibilities that motorists have. Cyclists need room to manoeuvre in traffic and motorists need to provide that room by not crowding cyclists and compromising their safety.

When motorists and cyclists are considerate of the space each type of user requires on the roadway, conflict is reduced and everyone is much safer.

Warm up the bike before every ride

When the weather warms up and the ice, snow, and salt are gone from the roads and trails, it's time to get back on your bikes. If your family's bicycles have been in storage all winter, you should tune up each bike for spring. Your local bike shop will do this for you for $35 to $60, or you can do it yourself.

Bikes are fairly easy to maintain but still require your attention to ensure a safe journey. Pay special attention to the following four areas: chain, derailleur components, brakes, and wheels.

Tires release air, chains need oil, bells and brakes need to work, and handlebars need tightening. The basics!

The ABC Quick Check is an easy way to remember what parts of the bike need your TLC before every ride. It takes less than a minute.

A – is for air. Check everything to do with your tires and wheels and air pressure. The valve must be straight out of the rim, not at an angle.

B – is for brakes, bars and bell. The brake pads must be straight and grip the rim effectively. The handle bars must be straight and tight. The bell must work.

C – is for chain & crank. Chains need to be lubricated & the pedals (cranks) need to spin freely.

Quick – is for quick release. Levers must be installed correctly and tight.

Throw in a ‘D’ for Drop: lift the bike a few inches from the ground and drop it. If something falls off…you might need more than a minute. Try your breaks as you ride off.

If your bike passes the ABC Quick Check, get riding. If something doesn’t seem right or you suspect something is losing its grip, visit your neighbourhood bike service centre. ABC Quick Check is a smart way to keep your bike in good shape and you safe. Get into the habit.

Lock it or Lose It

Four methods thieves use to steal a bike

Steal an unlocked bike.
Break the lock.
Break what the bike is locked to.
Steal parts of the bike that are unlocked.

Losing a bike through theft can be a painful and expensive experience. There are no full-proof methods to secure bikes but here are some bike lock basics.

Four of the most effective ways to keep your bike from being stolen

Always lock your bike. Half of all bikes stolen are stolen from home.
Use a good lock. Buy two of the best locks you can afford. Having two different kinds of locks increases safety.
Secure your bike frame and your back wheel. (Two locks!)
Do not lock your bike to a chain link fence or a wooden porch.

Register your bike. When the police hear about numerous bike thefts in a neighbourhood they know that there is an organized bike thief in the area and can help stop the operation.

ABOUT CAN-BIKE

The CAN-BIKE safe cycling skills program is the standard for bicycle education across Canada. CAN-BIKE Courses teach riding skills, traffic analysis skills, and collision avoidance techniques. They also provide the basics on safe equipment, and a basic bike inspection. Regardless of your experience, CAN-BIKE will make your cycling more effective, and give you a greater sense of confidence and control in traffic.

CAN-BIKE is the only accredited course of its kind. Courses are taught exclusively by instructors certified by the CAN-BIKE program. Instructors are knowledgeable about the Highway Traffic Act and teach cycling skills such as anticipating traffic dynamics, recognizing road hazards, and collision-avoidance techniques.

Our most advanced course, CAN-BIKE 2, is required training for many people who cycle on the job. In fact, all Toronto Police bicycle patrol officers are required to take CAN-BIKE 2.

Cycling is a popular means of active transportation; it can be done outdoors where you can appreciate the scenery alone or with friends. Cycling give one an opportunity to enjoy nature in the outskirts as well as within the city area. It is also a great form of exercise, involving all your muscles, especially the legs and heart.

Start slowly so that your body, and especially your joints and muscles can warm up. Your body works better when it is warm.
Remember to replace lost fluids-you will get thirsty in hot weather as well as cold. If it's cold enough for a water bottle to freeze try a water bag between layers on your back.

Road users have Collisions, Children have 'accidents'

2010-06-02T09:33:00.010-04:00

For the last couple years I have made a point of correcting people when the word “Accident” is used to describe an event where people, vehicles, etc come into contact. A couple of weeks ago, my correction of someone’s use of the word led to an email debate over Accident vs. Collision/Crash/Wreck.

That is what prompted this post.

Definitions:

According the Oxford Dictionary an accident is described as:
Noun – 1.) an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally. 2.) an incident that happens by chance or without apparent cause. 3.) chance

I will concede that according to some of that definition, an accident could be used to describe a crash. But, it truly is not unexpected, a crash never happens without apparent cause and chance? Please. I believe this definition was never meant to be used to describe a collision.

Using the same Oxford Dictionary a Collision is:
Noun – an instance of colliding
And a Crash is:
Verb – (of a vehicle) collide violently with an obstacle or another vehicle.
Finally Wreck is:
Noun – 3.) a building, vehicle, etc. that has been destroyed or badly damaged. 4) a road or rail crash.

Using any of those definitions, Collision, Crash, Wreck is far more accurate than accident to describe the coming together of vehicle, bicycles, cars and people.

Whoose to blame:

Collectively we all need to get our houses in order to help prevent collisions and something as simple as changing our vernacular can be a benefit.

I believe that when we use the word accident we give people an ‘out’ of the responsibility that needs to be felt. Accident allows people the thought that what happened couldn’t be avoided; it was something that was unforeseen and unavoidable. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The common denominator is human behaviour, which leads to human error. The worlds safest roadways can become filled with the bodies of dead and injured by the factor of disregarding simple safety and common sense rules while the worst roads travelled with awareness, adherence to laws, operating within safety guides for the conditions and alert behaviours can be injury and death free.

Now, I will also concede that law enforcement, media, insurance companies and government play a role in this mess. The reports that the police in Ontario file with the MTO are called Accident Reports. Most insurance company websites will refer to the word accident, media will report accidents as they happen.

The term accident became part of the vernacular of describing collisions and crashes somewhere along the way and has cemented itself there. We shouldn’t be using the word just because that is what people are used to hearing. We should be using the words that describe what it is. I think we can all be leaders by changing the words and helping to put blame where it belongs.

Accident makes the liability, blame and cause of collisions minimal at best and creates an escape clause for those responsible for the event. I saw an insurance company website recently that promoted a "responsibility project" that used the term accident all through their material. If any industry has a reason to put blame and fault where it belongs, it’s the insurance industry.

Collisions are predictable and preventable. Drive distracted, impaired, fatigued, aggressive, unaware or unskilled and you will cause injuries and or death.

Nothing on the roads just all of a sudden happens. There is a period where the event develops or unfolds and someone has done something wrong, illegal or unsafe.

Sure, you never get home and say to your spouse, “Wow, I just saw a huge collision.” You more than likely say accident. The person who was hit in a collision might say they were the victims of an accident, but the totality of the event is a collision that could have been prevented.

And yes, sometimes even the people who are hit can bear some responsibility. If you are driving aware and alert, you might see that a car is going to go through a red light, but all too often, we see that we have the perceived right of way and assume the way is clear for us.

So do us all a favour, stop using the word accident. Collision is more accurate, crash is more dynamic and wreck, well that’s just plain cool.

I have tried and tried and tried, but no matter what, I can’t think of one scenario that can allow for the word accident to be used. Can you? Let me know, have your say. Tell me I’m wrong or tell me I’m right. Leave a comment to share with everyone.

If you want to use the word accident, keep it to describing what children have when they are toilet training.

Do we tolerate too many traffic deaths?

2010-05-30T11:04:00.004-04:00

This is the title of a New York Times article from May 27, 2010. Some of the people who I receive regular updates from their writings and agencies were interviewed for the article.

I don't respond to a many articles I read but this one I felt compelled to. The reason? This is a topic that I agree completely with. We DO tolerate too many traffic deaths.

Here is my response. (#41 of the comment section.) Does that mean I can say that I have been published in the NYT?!?

Do we tolerate too many traffic deaths? Yes we do!

I fail to see why there is a debate with this issue. One death on our roads is one too many. The goal of zero deaths is honourable, but not likely. Having said that, any progress to attaining that goal is worthwhile and necessary.

Recently the world went into a sate of panic and fear based on a disease that killed a few hundred people and was classified as a pandemic. Governments were throwing obscene amounts of money towards the prevention, treatment and education for the public and health officials.

Yet, the pandemic numbers of injured and dead from the H1N1 globally did not come close to the number of injured and dead in any civilized nation.

You can argue cause and reason, factors and formulas or environment and engineering all you want. The common denominator is human behaviour which leads to human error. The worlds safest roadways can become filled with the bodies of dead and injured by the factor of disregarding simple safety and common sense rules while the worst roads travelled with awareness, adherence to laws, operating within safety guides for the conditions and alert behaviours can be injury and death free.

I believe the media, insurance companies, governments and law enforcement bears the burden of one major problem in the acceptance of road deaths and injuries. The term accident became part of the vernacular of describing collisions and crashes somewhere along the way and has cemented itself there.

Accident makes the liability, blame and cause of collisions minimal at best and creates an escape clause for those responsible for the event. I saw an insurance company website recently that promoted a "responsibility project" that used the term accident all through their material. If any industry has a reason to put blame and fault where it belongs, its the insurance industry.

Collisions are predictable and preventable. Drive distracted, impaired, fatigued, aggressive, unaware or unskilled and you will cause injuries and or death.

Do we tolerate too many traffic deaths? Yes we do. One person with one gun and fifteen bullets on a rampage would be national headlines for days/months. That persons actions, background, triggers, soci-economic status and position n society would make for grand headlines and debate.

One person with one car driving impaired or aggressive, distracted or unskilled has at any given moment in a city or urban environment, the potential to kill many, many more people, but yet we respond with barely a raised eyebrow at that person being arrested or crashing without incident.

Last point. Think of the money that is directed to health care and the legal industries from the results of collisions. Billions of dollars to treat the injured, facilitate long term disability changes, prosecute accused persons, incarcerate those and pay for the ensuing law suits. I have no idea how much money is directed to just those two ares, but suffice to say; could you imagine how many hungry children could be fed with that money. How many seniors could receive better and more adequate health care. How many veterans could be honourably be taken care of for their service to our countries. The laundry list of positive uses of the redirection of those monies is long and far better for the overall good of our communities.

Do we tolerate too many traffic deaths? Yes, sadly we do. So lets stop tolerating them. Train better drivers, punish those appropriately who endanger public safety, place the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of those that deserve it and treat the totality of event for what they are...an ongoing pandemic.

Sgt. Tim Burrows
Toronto Police Service - Traffic Services

For the article click here.

Photo credit: Red Huber/Orlando Sentinel, via Associated Press

Baby to Booster, Choosing the right child safety seat.

2010-05-17T09:57:00.008-04:00

I am often asked about the installation of infant, child and booster seats. I have two advantages over the average person to be able to talk about this.
1.) I'm a police officer that has been trained in the installation and inspection of the various seats and anchoring systems and;
2.) I'm a parent that at one time had all three systems in my vehicles.
(The joy of having 3 close in age but different in weights)

As a police officer, I have seen the devastation that is done to families from the non-use, improper use or improper installation of the child safety seats.

As a parent, there is nothing more important to me than ensuring that my children are protected as best as possible while travelling in a motor vehicle.

One thing that never fails to surprise me is the panic phone calls from parents on the day they are to take their children home from the hospital needing an emergency installation. Did you not know that you were having a baby in the previous 9 months or so and did you read the instruction manual. I have owned 14 child safety seats from 6 different manufacturers. All of them came with excellent step by step instructions.

There are three important gauges to consider which child safety system is best for your children.

Age
Height
Weight

All children must be in one form of safety seat. Infant rear facing/forward facing, toddler forward facing and child booster.

The driver of a motor vehicle is responsible for occupants under the age of 16 to be restrained properly. As the driver you may be charged with several offences for not having the occupants restrained. In Ontario there is a simple law that applies, one person, one seat belt.

Infants

Newborn babies and infants require special protection while in a vehicle. In a collision, using properly installed rear-facing car

seats can save your child's life.

Infant car seats should face the back of the vehicle, rest at a 45-degree angle and move no more than 2.5 cm (1 in.) where the seat belt or Universal Anchorage System (UAS) strap is routed through the child car seat.

If necessary, use a towel or a foam bar (pool noodle) under the base of the child car seat to adjust the angle. Harness straps should sit at or below a baby's shoulders. You should not be able to fit more than one finger underneath the harness straps at the child's collarbone. The chest clip should be flat against the chest at armpit level.

When the child outgrows the maximum height and weight of his/her infant seat, you may require a convertible rear-facing seat until your child is ready to be facing forward. The law requires using a rear-facing car seat until the baby is at least 9 kilograms (20 lb.)

The law is a minimum requirement. It’s best to keep your child rear-facing until they are at least one year old or until they have reached either the maximum height or weight limits of the rear-facing seat.

Birth to 9 kg (20 lb.)
Rear-facing seat
Use away from an active airbag

My Personal Tips: 80 to 90 % of all infant installations are done improperly. The number one problem that we have seen...people are afraid to snug it down. I always put a knee in the seat and all my weight on the seat when I was securing my children's seats. There can not be more than 1" of movement in any direction. Yes, this requires some flexibility on your part, but it's your children we are talking about...do what you have to.

Toddlers
A child can start riding facing forward when he or she is at least 9

kg (20 lb.).

To prevent the car seat from moving forward and causing injury in a collision, it is important to use the tether strap exactly as the manufacturer recommends. If your vehicle does not have a tether anchor in place, contact a dealership to have one installed.

To install a forward-facing car seat, fasten the tether strap, then use your body weight to tighten and fasten the seat belt or Universal Anchorage System (UAS) strap.

Ensure that the shoulder straps are at or above the child's shoulders. Straps should be snug, with only one finger width between the strap and the child's chest. Avoid using aftermarket car seat products. They can become projectiles or may have hard or sharp surfaces that can hurt the child in a collision.

9 to 18 kg (20-40 lb.)
Forward-facing seat
Use with a tether strap

My Personal Tips: Same as for the rear facing...put your weight in there when you snug it down. Double check the installation at least once per week.

Pre-school to 8 years old
The law requires booster seats for children who have outgrown a child car seat but are too small for a regular seat belt.

Booster seats are required for children under the age of eight, weighing 18 kg or more but less than 36 kg (40-80 lb.) and who stand less than 145 cm (4 feet-9 inches) tall.

A child can start using a seat belt alone once any one of the following criteria is met:
child turns eight years old
child weighs 36 kg (80 lb.)
child is 145 cm (4 feet-9 inches) tall.

Seat belts are designed to protect adults. Booster seats raise the child up so that the adult seat belt works more effectively. Booster seats protect against serious injury 3 ½ times better than seat belts alone.

A lap and shoulder combination belt must be used with all booster seats. Your child's head must be supported by the top of the booster, vehicle seat or headrest. The shoulder strap must lie across the child's shoulder (not the neck or face) and middle of the chest, and the lap belt must cross low over the hips (not the stomach/abdomen). Never use seat belt adjusters.

Between 18 and 36 kg (40—80 lb.)
Booster seat
Use with lap and shoulder belt

My Personal Tips: 1.) WATCH THEM. My children love to move the shoulder belt under their arms or right down to where the lap portion sits. I guess it gives them more range of motion to try and infuriate each other with touching and bugging. Gentle reminders are fun...locking clips are priceless. 2.) Don't be in a hurry to move them out...they do offer a great deal of added protection. It is better to be safe than sorry. If they are on the edge, let them stay put.

For tips on installation, visit the Ministry of Transportation Website by clicking here.

For more information from the Toronto Police Service on Child safety seats, click here.

For Child Safety Seat Inspection Information by the Toronto Police Service call 416-808-1975.

Information was provided in part by the MTO. Images courtesy of SafeKids.

What do you think? Have you had trouble installing child seats or have a story about how they protected your children. Let me know. Comments are welcomed!!

Reclined seat makes deadly catapult

2010-05-16T21:50:00.002-04:00

Reprinted from article appearing on Wheels.ca, by Jill McIntosh, see original article and comments by clicking here.

Always sit up straight. My mother drilled that into me when I was little, because it was considered good manners at the dinner table. In a vehicle, you need to do it because it can save your life.

Airbags and seatbelts affect what happens to occupants in a crash, and what they do depends on how you’re sitting. If you’re in the wrong position, they can be dangerous or even deadly.

In a recent U.S. decision, a jury awarded $1.8 million in damages against Hyundai when a young woman was ejected from a vehicle in a crash and killed. She’d been wearing her seatbelt, but had reclined the front passenger seat all the way back to take a nap, and she slid out from under the belt in the impact.

Sitting up straight not only keeps you in the seat, but it properly positions the belt over the strong bones in your shoulders and hips, which can take the impact. If you slip the shoulder belt under your arm, as many people do, it puts the belt over your weaker ribs, creating the potential for internal injuries.

The seatbelt also helps you to withstand the explosive force of the airbags. Many people don’t know how airbags work, because they’ve only seen them as fluffy pillows played for comic effect in movies, or slowly unfolding in crash-test videos. Those test films are extreme slow-motion: the bags inflate and deflate in milliseconds, so fast that you can’t see them otherwise (roll-sensing curtain airbags deploy just as quickly, but stay inflated for several seconds).

Those rock-hard bags are coming toward you at some 300 km/h. They’ll break your arm if you hold the wheel underhanded on a turn; they’ll kill a dog sitting on your lap; and if you’re dumb enough to ride with your feet up on the dash, the doctor will first extract your femur bone out of what’s left of your pelvis, and then probably tell you that you’ll never walk properly again.

It’s just as important to sit properly in the back seat. Even if there are no airbags back there, sitting correctly with the seatbelt on prevents being thrown around in a collision. If back-seat passengers aren’t belted in, they can be hurled forward with enough force to cause serious injuries when they collide with front-seat passengers.

It’s especially important to ensure that children are in the correct positions, whether they’re in carriers, booster seats, or are old enough to wear a seatbelt alone. Child seats can be difficult to install properly; if you’re not sure, you can call Toronto Police Services at 416-808-1975 to ask about having yours inspected.

Most people never read the owner’s manual that comes with the vehicle, but every one includes a section on proper seating positions and seatbelt use. Depending on your vehicle, there can be airbags over the side windows, in the sides of the front or rear seats, and even under the dash to protect your knees. Find out where they’re located and what you need to do so that they help instead of harm you.

Smart Phone App PSA.wmv

2010-05-11T12:56:00.000-04:00

arrivealive.org has announced a new Smart Phone App for helping you find a safe way home after you have been drinking. Our advice is simple, "If you drink, don't drive."

But if you didn't plan ahead, here is a great tool to help you out.

Life or Death...Which one do you want?

2010-05-09T21:17:00.005-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, the Toronto Police took part in the Provincial Spring Seat Belt Campaign. We do this every year to support our other policing and safety partners to raise awareness, educate the public and of course give out some tickets. (Yes, there is your opportunity to tell me that this is just another cash grab, revenue generating program...but before you do that remember, its your choice if you want a ticket or not.)

One of our major points of focus this year was child safety seats. Through several inspection

clinics that we run every year across Toronto we regular see 80 to 90 percent of child seats that are installed incorrectly.

As a police officer, I have seen first hand the importance. You only need to see the pain in a parents face as their child is attended to by medical staff because they suffered injuries which could have been prevented had their child been properly restrained. As a father I know the importance of ensuring my children are always restrained properly in their child safety seats.

The biggest problem that I have seen about improper car seat installations is that they are simply not in tight enough. Parents put the seat belts around the seat or the latch system in place snug it down and then that's it. What about when the child gets in the seat? Do you not think their weight will create extra movement on the seat since it is no longer snug?

So, when you put your seat in, put your weight on it...pull the belts tight. Once your weight is out of it, the seat won't move. Some parents have told me that they are afraid of putting wight in it because they don't want to break it! Come on, let it break then as opposed to in a crash. (The reality is it won't break).

One of the most frustrating calls we receive is from a frantic father who has been told that he can't take his child home from the hospital because he doesn't have a proper car seat. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING FOR THE LAST 9 MONTHS...Didn't have enough time?

You can call 416-808-1975 to get information on child seat inspection clinics that are near you.

The last thing I want to talk about is what a seat belt is designed to do. It is not designed to save your life or prevent injuries. It is designed to keep you in your car and in your seat.

Does it save lives? YES
Does it reduce injuries? YES
Have people died while wearing them? YES
Have people been injured while wearing them? YES

Have less people been killed and have less injuries occurred? YES

The law is:

One belt / one person
All under 16 must be belted (driver responsible)
Lap and shoulder belt must be worn properly
All seat belts must function if someone is sitting in that spot

There are no exemptions for:

"I was only going a short distance."
"I just got back in the car after a quick stop."
"But, my kids were acting up."
"This is the first time I haven't worn it."

If you are on the road, your belt has to be on your body. If your children are in the car, they have to be secured in their properly installed seats.

Which price would you rather pay? Death or injury. Life or death, which one do you want?

Want to leave a comment? Agree, disagree? Let me know what you think. What if Health Care refused to cover you for injuries that were caused by the lack of use of a sat belt...like going through the windshield.

Amber Lights...MEAN STOP!!

2010-05-03T22:14:00.004-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was waiting to cross a fairly large intersection. I was crossing on foot from the south to the north. I watched the east/west lights signal to amber. Like I always have, I watched the vehicles that A.) needed to continue through the intersection, B.) the ones that should have stopped and C.) the ones that were stopped waiting to turn do so, and then D.) finally the dance of danger was complete when the red light runners made their way through.

A few hours later I watched it all unfold, but this time as a driver, not a pedestrian. 3 cars turned on the amber. 1 in the intersection, 1 on the stop line, 1 from behind the stop line. A pedestrian crossing had to hold for the last car to clear before hustling his butt across the road.

So once I got to my destination, I Tweeted this:

I received several comments that indicated to me that some education was required so here it is.

Ontario Highway Traffic Act, Section 144 covers the following information regarding Amber Lights:

Amber light

(15) Every driver approaching a traffic control signal showing a circular amber indication and facing the indication shall stop his or her vehicle if he or she can do so safely, otherwise he or she may proceed with caution. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 144 (15).

Amber arrow

(16) Every driver approaching a traffic control signal showing an amber arrow indication only or in combination with another indication and facing the indication shall stop his or her vehicle if he or she can do so safely, otherwise he or she may proceed with caution to follow the direction shown by the amber arrow indication. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 144 (16).

Flashing amber

(17) Every driver approaching a traffic control signal showing a flashing circular amber indication and facing the indication may proceed with caution. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 144 (17)

Pretty simple, if its amber, your first priority is to stop safely. 2nd, if you can't stop safely, you must proceed with caution.

So in the simplest of terms, an amber light means STOP. Most people see it only as warning that the light is about to change red so they take the chance that they can make it through. We have seen so many collisions because of that mentality. Drivers waiting to turn figuring they have to clear the intersection and the drivers coming towards them assume that they will make it on the amber. The driver making the turn can't move until they are sure that the turn can be made safely. I have investigated many collisions like this and the turning driver believes that they had the right of way because they had to get out of the intersection. (Another blog post at another time).

But, here is something hardly anyone knows. Failing to stop for an amber light, used to carry the same penalties as red light offences. Cost to you for a failing to stop for amber? $180 + 3 demerit points. ( Just recently red light offences monetary penalty increased.)

Specific Situation - Turns

Technically, you can not enter an intersection unless you can clear that intersection in one motion without impeding other traffic (which includes pedestrians and cyclists).

We all know that when you are turning left, you enter the intersection, wait for oncoming traffic to clear and then turn...after looking to make sure your path is clear (which includes pedestrians and cyclists).

What happens when the light turns amber? Well, since you are in the intersection you have to clear it. So once it is safe to do so, you clear. But, what we often see is four or five more cars that were waiting use the amber time to turn, which usually also means the red light time. This is dangerous and leads to reduced traffic flow as the cross traffic has to wait for you to clear.

If you are stopped behind the stop line, you CAN NOT PROCEED on an amber. Offence? Yes, Amber light, fail to stop or what normally happens...Red Light, proceed before green because the light has changed. (On a side note...I used to camp out and lay those charges at many intersections downtown. Ever drive from SB University to EB Adelaide?)

So here is the big conclusion:

Amber Light = Stop if safe to do so

Red Light = Stop

Green Light = Proceed with caution, if safe to do so

Whats your thought on this? Is there anymore clarification required? Tell me if you have been in any of those situations.

OPRAH is on my Blog!!

2010-04-29T22:56:00.005-04:00

OK, so I cut and pasted a widget onto the blog that has Oprah expressing her wishes that everyone treat

April 30th, 2010 as a day to really make road safety a priority with her "NO PHONE ZONE."

Oprah has teamed up with the Toronto Police Service to push road safety issues to make Toronto safer! Actually she is helping out everyone who shares an interest for safer roads.

The NO PHONE ZONE is a movement to get people to not have a communications device (cell phone, iPhone, BlackBerry...whatever) in your car.

In Ontario it's the law. You have to hands free abilities or a wired set which allows your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. But is that really enough?

I have said so many times, "It's not the device, it's the distraction." Talking on the phone takes away from the priority of driving and that priority is a huge responsibility! You are driving a couple tonnes of metal down the road which has the potential to injure, maim and kill.

Multi-tasking ability is an asset when you are juggling business projects and emails and spread sheets and so on and so on. Multi-tasking is not an asset when you are driving. There should only be one task...DRIVING SAFELY!!

So, make your vehicle a NO PHONE ZONE on Friday April 30th for Oprah...make your vehicle a NO PHONE ZONE everyday for the rest of us, and yourself. Who knows, you could be saving a life...yours.

Sign the NO PHONE ZONE Pledge by clicking here. There is also a lot of information on the link page

What do you think? Is one day enough to remind everyone or is this something we should be doing everyday.

What's your opinion about Ontario's Distracted Driving Legislation. Did it go to far or not far enough. I would love to know what you think!

Don Valley Parkway closed this weekend for annual spring maintenance

2010-04-23T17:54:00.003-04:00

City of Toronto News Release

The City of Toronto's Transportation Services Division will be performing

maintenance activities on the Don Valley Parkway on April 24 and 25. In
order to undertake this work safely, a full closure of the Don Valley
Parkway will be required.

The Don Valley Parkway will be closed in both directions from Highway 401
to the Gardiner Expressway from Saturday, April 24 at 2 a.m. to Monday,
April 26 at 5 a.m.

Specific activities that will be undertaken during this closure include:
. spring catchbasin cleaning (required to ensure proper drainage)
. pavement markings and sign maintenance
. guiderail and asphalt repair
. railway bridge inspection
. ramp realignment for bridge rehabilitation
. closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera maintenance
. installation of a new changeable message sign, and
. expressway sweeping operations and litter removal.

"This is important work that needs to be done to maintain safe travel
conditions on the Don Valley Parkway," said Gary Welsh, General Manager,
Transportation Services. "Motorists should be advised to be patient and
make sure to take extra time to get to and from their destinations."

Motorists can use Victoria Park Avenue, Don Mills Road, Bayview Avenue and
Kingston Road as alternative routes during the closure. Whenever possible,
the public is encouraged to consider using public transit as a convenient
alternative.

For further information about other road closures, visit the City's
website at http://www.toronto.ca/transportation.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to
a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic
engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North
America.

Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and
efficiency in delivering public services. Toronto's government is
dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its
residents. For information about non-emergency City services and programs,
Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7
days a week.

~~Editor's Note~~

I recommend that if you normally use this route and you need to come into town, know alternate routes before you venture out. Don't use roads adjacent to the closure...choose instead to go a few majors east or west of the DVP. These will be lighter than the roads immediately in the area.

Best option...PUBLIC TRANSIT. The LRT, Subways, Streetcars aren't in teh closure so they are great options as is GO Transit.

Leave lots of extra time! There WILL BE delays. Don't try to make up time on the roads, create the time before you go.

Other events that are going to cause traffic delays are:

Toronto FC game - Sunday April 25, 2:00 pm

Khalsa Parade - Sunday April 25, 12:30 Lakeshore/York/University/Queens Park

Green Living Show - April 23 - 25, Direct Energy, CNE Grounds

Child Seat Inspection Clinic and Press Conference

2010-04-21T08:43:00.004-04:00

Media and Public Advisory
Toronto Area Child Seat Safety Coalition
Child Seat Inspection Clinic and Press Conference
Thursday April 22, 2010 8:30a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
2525 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto (Wal-Mart)

Broadcast time: 8:00 a.m.
Wednesday April 21, 2010

Traffic Services
416-808-1900

On Thursday April 22, 2010, at 8:30 a.m. the Toronto Area Child Seat Safety Coalition will be conducting a child seat inspection clinic at 2525 St.Clair Ave. West in the Wal-Mart parking lot.

A new public awareness campaign regarding child seat safety will be launched during a 10:30 a.m. press conference by members of the coalition which includes the Ministry of Transportation, Toronto Police, Toronto Fire, Toronto Public Health and York Region Health.

No appointments are necessary for the clinic, but it is advised that vehicles arriving after 12:00 p.m. will be turned away.

It is estimated that 80 to 90 percent of all child seat installations are not done according to vehicle and manufacturer recommendations. The proper installation may greatly reduce the risk of injury or death to a child in the event of a collision.

The Toronto Police Service operates a local phone number, 416-808-1975, which provides information on inspection clinics. Other information can be found on our website, the Ministry of Transportation website and the City of Toronto website.

If you haven't had the opportunity to view this very powerful video, take a minute to do so.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-8PBx7isoM

Warn Range Suspensions

2010-04-19T07:57:00.007-04:00

I felt like I needed to do a blog post this week but wasn't sure what it was going to be about. There are so many topics to choose from in the world of Traffic Safety. Then the topic was provided to me.

I came into work this morning and received a notice that the Toronto Police Service issued it's first 30 day suspension under the Province's Bill 203 Legislation. That means this one driver, a 30 year old male from Scarborough, has been issued two previous suspensions for registering in the warn range for alcohol in his system while driving.

That's the legislation that recognized driver's who operate a motor vehicle under the legal limit but with alcohol in their system had to be recognized, tracked and made more accountable for their poor choices. As far as all police are concerned, if you drink the choice is simple...DON'T DRIVE!!

Let's review.

The legal limit to operate a motor vehicle under the Criminal Code of Canada is .08. In normal terms that means there are 80 milligrams of alcohol in 100 milliliters of blood of the tested subject. Anything over that warrants a charge of Drive Over 80 mgs.

The warn range is the area between .05 and .079.

Prior to May 1, 2009 the suspensions were 12 hours and you could pick up your licence at a police station after the 12 hours passed. On May 1st last year, Bill 203 took effect which created sanctions for those persons who registered readings in the Warn Range.

For a 1st time instance in that range, you will receive a 3 day licence suspension. Your licence is forwarded to the Ministry of Transportation.

For a 2nd instance: driver suspended for seven days and must undergo remedial alcohol education program

Third or subsequent instance: driver suspended for 30 days, must undergo remedial alcohol treatment program and have ignition interlock condition on their licence for six months.

This legislation, agree with it or not, is extremely important to the protection of the public and forwarding road safety measures.

Benefits of Bill 203 (The drinking and driving part of it)

First, it allows for the tracking of drivers who have registered breath readings in this area. Those drivers who choose to drink and drive are considered high risk road offenders in that action alone. Now, we can get a better picture of how many of those drivers continue to put all of us at risk with their potentially deadly choices.

Second, it allows for a measure of prevention. I know I don't want to risk losing my licence for 3 days, let alone having that on my divers abstract...did I mention that? Sorry, each time that you register in that range, it goes on your drivers abstract...can you imagine what insurance companies think about drivers who are considered high risk?

Finally, the legislation makes it possible to educate those people who not only self identify as high risk road users, but creates an opportunity for those persons to be educated as to the dangers of their choices.

Now, before you start talking about the government and the police are taking away all your fun, remember, it's not illegal to drink if you are of legal drinking age. It's not even illegal to drink before driving. It is illegal to drink too much before driving. You are your own liquor control board. So the choice is 100% up to you.

Our message is simple if you want to drink, go ahead, but if you are going to be driving have a plan not to drive and stick with it. Public transit, cabs, designated drivers, hotels are all great options and a lot less expensive than defending yourself against criminal charges, tow bills and the real price that would be paid if you kill or injure yourself or others.

What do you think? Do you like the legislation, feel it's too harsh or maybe that it doesn't go far enough. Let me know.

For more information on Bill 203 click here.

Provincial Seatbelt Campaign

2010-04-14T07:29:00.003-04:00

Traffic Safety continues to be a priority of the Toronto Police Service.

The 2010 Provincial Seat Belt Campaign, with the full support of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, is a combined public awareness and enforcement campaign aimed at getting more drivers and passengers to buckle up. Using seat belts is proven to be an effective way to reduce vehicle related injuries and fatalities.

Minister of Transportation, Kathleen Wynne, will be joined by Margaret Best, Minister of Health Promotion, O.P.P. Chief Superintendent Bill Grodzinski, Toronto Police Inspector Gord Jones and Safe Kids Canada, Kristen Gane.

Two students from Leaside High School, along with Minister Wynne will be spray painting a mural reminding motorists to “Buckle Up”, which will be hung at the kick off location.

It is estimated that, for every 1% increase in seat belt use, five lives are saved in Ontario every year.

The spring seat belt campaign will focus on drivers who fail to properly secure their children safely. Child Safety Seat clinics have shown that 80% of car seats are installed or used incorrectly.

All police officers will pay particular attention to the proper restraint of all vehicle occupants, including young children, by ensuring the proper use of child restraints.

Some of the offences Toronto Police Officers will be looking for are:

• Drive with seat belt removed/inoperative/modified
• Driver − fail to properly wear seat belt
• Drive while passenger under 16 fails to occupy position with seat belt
• Passenger − fail to properly wear seat belt
• Drive while passenger under 16 fails to properly wear seat belt.
• Fail to ensure infant properly secured
• Fail to ensure toddler properly secured
• Fail to ensure child properly secured

Seatbelt infractions issued by a police officer have a set fine amount of $240 and upon conviction drivers will be assessed 2 demerit points against their license.

For more information on Child Safety Seats, click here.

Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. Stay informed with what’s happening at Traffic Services by following us on Twitter (TrafficServices), and Facebook (Toronto Police – Traffic Services).

The Value of Social Media in Law Enforcement

2010-04-11T10:31:00.003-04:00

I wrote this post for Scroll.ning.com, where it was first posted. See the original here.

This is certainly not the “All traffic - all the time” post that you would normally expect me to write. Although, yes there will be traffic stuff in here. This is a post about why I do so much work in the Social Media Medium (SMM) and why you should be interested in it.

Now, let’s be realistic. In terms of ‘so much work in SMM’ I am a newbie, an amateur and ‘quiet’ compared to some of the rockstars that I follow. People like Amber Macarthur (@ambermac), Scott Stratten (@unmarketing), Chris Brogan (@chrisbrogan) and a few others that have nothing to do with law enforcement. Pioneers in the use Social Media for Law Enforcement like Scott Mills (@grafittibmxcop), Warren Bulmer (@warren_bulmer), Lauri Stevens (@lawscomm) and Christa Miller (@christammiller). So what qualifies me to write about it? Passion (more on that in a bit). I love the SMM and the doors that it has opened for me.

As Sgt. Tim Burrows of the Toronto Police Service, my ability to reach out to the community is limited by the timing and reception of the main stream media (MSM). If the MSM is busy with breaking news or full of their mandated or preferred content my message is not going to go anywhere. Further, due to things that are out of my control and in many cases journalists control, like editing and questions that I can’t finesse into my message, my intended message can be lost. Enter Social Media (TA DA!).

As anyone of my SMM identities that I use on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Blogger and several more, I can message when I want, about what I want and in as much detail or frequency as I choose. Enough about me...it’s all about YOU! Remember I said passion earlier?...here it is. I’m a cop that believes in the motto “To Serve and Protect” deeply. I am a servant to the citizens of Toronto and the Toronto Police Service. I want to do mart part to help the Toronto Police Service accomplish their mission, “...to make Toronto the best and safest place to be. I can best do that where I have any control or influence. For me, that’s talking about traffic safety (Woo Hoo, he’s back to traffic stuff).

My goal is simple in philosophy, but difficult in attainment. Why? I don’t have nearly as much control over it as YOU do. Your choices and behaviours dictate the accomplishment of my goal which is, “To reduce collisions, injuries and death in Toronto”.

So why set a goal that I can’t control? Because it is in YOUR best interest. If something I Tweet, post, upload or tag can benefit you, influence your behaviour or change your attitude then we ALL benefit. Just think, if the approximately 2 Billion dollars that gets funneled to the cover the societal costs of traffic collisions could be redirected to benefit hungry children, abused women, senior care and cancer research. Right now those monies go to insurance claims, injury treatment and rehabilitation, economic cost of transportation stop-ages, investigation, court process’ and many, many more hard and soft, direct and indirect costs.

Alcohol, drugs, occupant restraint infractions, extreme and distracted driving all lead to collisions, injury and death. Try to argue that with me and you will only show your own lack of research ability.

So when I can remind you of that in any way I can, we all can benefit. When you choose to ‘buy into’ my messages we all will benefit. Now, here is an added benefit. The messages that surround traffic safety don’t just affect Toronto. Those messages apply to nearly the entire world. Don’t drink and drive, slow down to see more, wear your seatbelt, be a cooperative driver, watch for pedestrians and cyclists, obey the rules of the road, etc, etc, etc, you get it. Here is one more reason. We are all traffic. Yup no matter what you think you are part of traffic. The movement of people and goods. Pedestrian, check. Cyclist, check. Transit user, check. Driver, check. Mobility challenged, check.

So here is my unabashed plug...no apologies for this one because I think I said why it would be beneficial. Find me on SM, friend, follow, join me. Then share what I have to say, if you find value in it, add your own comments, tell me what you think would help all of us. While you are at, join my friends that I mentioned. Each have value that can add to your lives. I wouldn’t plug them here if they didn’t.

twitter.com/TrafficServices

facebook.com = Toronto Police - Traffic Services Highway Patrol

trafficservicestps.blogspot.com

YouTube.com/TPSTSVSafety

Beach Easter Parade - Road Closures

2010-04-04T08:30:00.006-04:00

Toronto Police News Release Re-Post

Broadcast time: 06:00 Friday, April 2, 2010

Special Events 416−808−5053

Annual Beaches Easter Parade, Queen Street East, Sunday, April 4, 2010, 2 p.m., Road closures

On Sunday, April 4, 2010, the annual Beaches Easter Parade will take place at 2 p.m.

The procession will start from Queen Street East and Munro Park Avenue, and continue along Queen Street East to Woodbine Avenue.

As a result of this event, a full road closure will take place on Queen Street East, and on parts of Nursewood Road, Woodbine Avenue and Lakeshore Boulevard East. A number of secondary roads will also be closed or partially closed, affecting traffic flow.

Road closures:

Queen Street East (partial road) Munro Park Avenue to Fallingbrook Road, from 10 a.m. to noon.

Queen Street East (full road) Munro Park Avenue to Fallingbrook Road, and Nursewood Road (full road) Queen Street East to 24 Nursewood Road, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Queen Street East (full road) Woodbine Avenue to Fallingbrook Road, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Woodbine Avenue (full road) Queen Street East to Lakeshore Boulevard East Lakeshore Boulevard East (full road) Coxwell Avenue to Woodbine Avenue, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The TTC will be re−routing buses / street cars during the event.

This event will take place regardless of weather conditions. Members of the public should anticipate significant traffic issues.

P.S. - The traffic cone monster was not in the original TPS Release...that was my own little touch of humour.

Project Spring Clean Up - Results

2010-04-01T07:18:00.004-04:00

Dozens of police officers swept the streets clean of unsafe commercial vehicles as part of the two-day Project Spring Cleanup.The third annual joint law-enforcement-services operation saw over half the commercial vehicles pulled over and inspected at Woodbine Racetrack taken out of service by officers.

The focus of the blitz was to ensure pickups, cube vans and tractor-trailers are operated safely and have proper documentation.“Keeping vehicles safe on the roads saves people’s lives and prevents horrific injuries from occurring,” 23 Division Supt. Ron Taverner said, of the reasons behind the Rexdale-area enforcement blitz.

“There are also savings in property damage and insurance rates in keeping these vehicles safe.”Police officers from the OPP, Peel, Halton, York, and Guelph, as well as enforcement officers from the Ministry of Transportation, Revenue and Environment participated in inspecting the vehicles.Vehicle inspection numbers:

Total Vehicles checked – 358
Highway Traffic Act/Commercial Motor Vehicle Charges – 247
Vehicles taken out of service – 172
Transporting Dangerous Good charges – 4 (Improper training, insecure loads)
Contraband cigarettes charge – 1
Arrests – 4
(Marijuana possession – 2, Obstruct police – 1, Fail to Comply with Bail Conditions – 1)

Truck blitz sweeps Rexdale

2010-03-28T21:33:00.006-04:00

Dozens of police officers are sweeping the streets clean of unsafe commercial vehicles as part of the two-day Project Spring Cleanup.

The third annual joint law-enforcement-services operation will see hundreds of trucks pulled over and inspected at Woodbine Racetrack to ensure they are operated safely and with proper documentation.

“Keeping vehicles safe on the roads saves people’s lives and prevent horrific injuries from occurring,” 23 Division Supt. Ron Taverner said, of the reason for the Rexdale-area enforcement blitz. “There are also savings in property damage and insurance rates in keeping these vehicles safe.”

Police officers from the OPP, Peel, Halton, York, and Guelph, as well as enforcement officers from the Ministry of Transportation, Revenue and Environment participated in inspecting the vehicles.

Taverner said that so many police services and provincial government agencies are eager to join forces for enforcement campaigns because they are effective for all jurisdictions.

“These commercial vehicles travel the whole province so, when we do a blitz here, it affects every community in Ontario.”

Commercial Vehicle inspectors, who are trained in a five-week course, carried out inspections after officers from the OPP, Toronto and Peel pulled over cars in the nearby area and 400-series highways.

“This division has a large industrial area,” 23 Division Sgt. Jason Leitch said, also noting highways 401, 409 and 427 cut through the Division. “Traffic safety is one of the priorities of the Service and commercial vehicle inspections are a priority in this division.”

During the first few hours of the blitz, several vehicles were taken off the road, including a scrap truck inspected by Halton police officers, with too much play in its steering. The truck had to be repaired on site or towed away, and faces a $390 fine for operating with a major defect.

One tractor-trailer carrying an inter-modal (shipping) container had its plates removed after Ministry of Transportation officers found several major defects.

The truck had a cracked frame, an insecure saddle tank, loose U-bolts, a leak in its exhaust line and a flat tire. The driver had also misrepresented documentation by writing the truck was inspected before being driven, as per the law.

Among other charges, the driver and company will face up to a $10,000 fine for operating an unsafe vehicle.

Before the day got started, officers took a moment to remember Peel Const. Artem James Ochakovsky, who died after a collision March 1.

Taverner presented a cheque on behalf of the officers of D platoon, who raised $350 in support of the Ochakovsky’s wife and three-year-old son.

Peel S/Supt Blair Foley and Insp. John Sutherland were on hand to accept the donation and express gratitude for the continued support from many officers.
“The support we have received from all police services at the funeral was exceptional,” Foley said, noting over 700 Toronto officers attended.

He said 53 Division officers also blocked every intersection from Highway 401 to Sunnybrook Hospital during the ambulance emergency run, and delivered food as well as moral support to Peel officers at the hospital.

“It’s a tremendous show of support.”

Original article from Toronto Police CLICK HERE

Project Spring Cleanup

2010-03-25T07:48:00.004-04:00

Woodbine race track, 555 Rexdale Boulevard, north west parking lot,

Project Spring Cleanup,
Truck Inspection Blitz

23 Division
416−808−2300

23 Division will conduct a Heavy Truck and Commercial vehicle enforcement blitz, Project Spring Cleanup, from Thursday, March 25, 2010, to Friday, March 26, 2010.

This enforcement initiative will be a joint−forces venture involving the Ontario Provincial Police, Peel Regional Police, York Regional Police, Halton Regional Police Service, Guelph Police Service, and the Ontario Ministries of Transportation, Environment and Revenue.

The location for Project Spring Cleanup will be Woodbine race track, 555 Rexdale Boulevard, in the north west parking lot, at 8 a.m.

The primary goal is public safety, through the removal of unsafe and potentially dangerous vehicles from our highways.

In addition, Superintendent Ron Taverner will be presenting a cheque to members of Peel Regional Police, for James Ochakovsky's family.

For further information, please contact Sergeant Jason Leitch at 416−808−2300.

Hands on the wheel, eyes on the road. It's the law!

2010-03-24T08:00:00.002-04:00

I have always loved the 'rants' that Rick Mercer has done. Informative, provocative, funny and on the mark with sometimes brutal honesty.

This video is no exception.

Thanks to Rick Mercer and the Ministry of Transportation for doing this.

You can follow Rick Mercer on Twitter @rickmercer His website is www.rickmercer.com

For more information on distracted driving, click here.

Now it's your turn...what do you think? Why do people feel the need to talk, text, type or read while driving? Is eating, drinking a beverage or talking to someone else in the car just as much of a distraction? Let me know your thoughts.

Can you share the road with cyclists?

2010-03-23T18:16:00.004-04:00

Special thanks to Scott Marshall aka @safedriver aka The Safe Driver for allowing me to re-post this article from his blog, http://safedriving.wordpress.com/

Do you remember when you first learned to ride a bike? I was so thrilled that I could get rid of my training wheels and ride my bike like my friends could. It gave me that early feeling of mobility. As a driving instructor, it made perfect sense for me to have taught each of my kids how to ride their bikes and they’ve felt the same way I did when I was their age. Once you’ve learned how to ride a bike, you have to learn how to blend into traffic in a safe manner. Drivers also need to blend smoothly with cyclists. How well do you drive with cyclists near you?

The first thing to remember as a driver is to keep your eyes moving from side to side to help spot cyclists that may enter your traffic flow. That, combined with looking well ahead, will help you see the cyclists sooner to give you time to adjust. As drivers, we must remember that most cyclists will be riding their bicycles at a speed much slower than our speed. We have to recognize this fact early and adjust speed early enough so we can avoid sharing the same lane as cyclists.

Look for cyclists that may be coming out of driveways, from between parked vehicles or scooting across crosswalks when they shouldn’t. Being prepared for them is a very proactive way to drive; but we must also know what to do when we come across a cyclist.

A cyclist may move around a sewer grate at any time, so as a driver, we must give a cyclist as much room as possible when passing them. When doing a lane change around a cyclist, change lanes early enough that the drivers behind have time to see the cyclist so they can change lanes early as well. A sudden lane change may jeopardize the safety of a cyclist.

If you have to move around a cyclist on a two-lane road, move across the centre line when it’s safe to do so. Make sure there is no oncoming traffic and that your visibility is good. After you’ve passed the cyclist, drift back into your lane when the cyclist is visible in your mirrors. This ensures they are far enough behind you to remain safe. Earlier this summer while I was out with my family, I came across an oncoming driver who had drifted across the centre line to avoid a cyclist. The only problem was that I was directly in the path of this oncoming van. I had to use the shoulder to avoid the head on collision. This oncoming driver used poor judgement to pass the cyclist, but luckily I saw them in time to respond. Let’s hope that more drivers use better judgement when passing cyclists.

There have been times in the past when I had the chance to ride my bike to my office when I knew I was in my office all day. The 45 minute bike ride was quite a challenge. Drivers coming from behind me didn’t give me much room. It was a good thing I had a mirror on my bike that allowed me to see what was approaching me from behind. I remember a few times that I had to escape up a driveway ramp or parking lot ramp to avoid a close call with a driver.

Experiencing that has allowed me to improve my driving instruction to allow cyclists more space. I have a better understanding of what cyclists need in order to ride their bikes safely along public roads. Maybe that’s what all drivers need; to ride their bikes in traffic from time to time. I think it would help appreciate how difficult it can be at times.

Making right turns can also be a problem for both drivers and cyclists. The next time you’re moving slowing before turning or are stopped in traffic before turning and are approaching the intersection; check your blind spot to the right before starting the turn. The cyclist may have snuck between your vehicle and the curb. Anticipating that the cyclist may be approaching is always a good thing, so constantly checking your side mirror is a good thing.

Since our communities have added many bicycle lanes, be sure you check your mirrors and blind spots before entering them; especially when driving slowly enough for cyclists to be there. You are allowed to enter the last portion of the cyclist lane before turning. Like any lane change, you’ll need to check for other vehicles. Having good short term memory is important since you’ll have to remember if you’ve just passed a cyclist before entering the bicycle lane.

Cyclist can also have a difficult time when they are driving through residential areas. If you need to park your vehicle on the street, open the door with your right hand. It allows you to glance in your side mirror and blind spot before the door opens. This will help you see if any cyclists are coming up the side of your vehicle.

I hope these tips will make some sense to you as a driver; and also as a cyclist. We need to share the roads with all road users, so let’s do it safely.

Out of Town Observations

2010-03-09T11:55:00.003-05:00

I promised my wife that during this vacation, the only work I would do is studying for an upcoming exam...so don't let her know about this post.

We drove to Florida late last week, which I why I have been very quiet both here and on Twitter. During the 24 hour dive we got to see a lot of interesting sights and behaviours on the interstates.

Even our children got in on the, "What is that person thinking?" conversations that the adults in the front seat were having. The fact that children under 8 could identify mistakes that drivers were making is a clear indication that learning to drive starts with not only the habits we portray to our children, but the behaviours they recognize in other drivers as being wrong. And it starts long before the getting ready to grab the wheel age.

Think about it...seat belt use, speeding, signals and smooth inputs are something children can easily recognize from their seats.

What kind of example and future driver are you creating?

When we get back and I am done studying, I will be writing extensively about some of the things that I have been seeing...keep in mind we are in the the state that can boast 6% of the U.S. population and is number 1 in pedestrian and cyclist deaths across America.

Toronto cyclists have bike lanes to no where....Florida pedestrians have to contend with sidewalks to no where as well!

There are no 'accidents' on our highways

2010-02-23T10:03:00.005-05:00

~~Editor's Note~~
Reprinted Article
This is an article from Jim Kenzie's, The Driver's Seat, which appeared on-line February 23, 2010.
You can read the original article here.

One of the main advantages of a blog to me is that I can answer readers' e-mails and letters, and broadcast them to a wider audience.

It is also, as She Who Must Be Obeyed a.k.a. the Chancellor of the Exchequer notes, a way to get PAID for answering my e-mail, which otherwise I do for free!

BTW, I DO try to answer as many e-mails personally as I can; forgive me if I don't always succeed.

Anyway, a reader complained about my Carte Blanche in the print edition of Wheels recently on the sad death of Brendan Burke, son of Leafs' General Manager Brian Burke, which included a harangue against the use of the word 'accident' to describe car crashes.

The reader wrote:
*************
Check your dictionary. If it was an unexpected event then it was an accident. If it was an unintended event the nit was an accident. If it was by chance or mishap, then it was an accident.
Most words in the English language have more than one meaning. You are entitled to your preference: an event without apparent cause, but other uses for the word should not be condemned.
**************

To which I replied:English is an incredibly rich language, due at least in part - or so I am told - to the British Navy! England effectively ruled the world for several centuries, and its language benefited immensely from contributions from several diverse sources.

So we have many words available to us to describe various meanings or shades of meaning, and it is imperative, especially for professional communicators, to be as selective and precise as we can be.

As you say, we also have many words which have multiple meanings. In some cases, popular usage and context have given certain words specific connotations which we also must respect, whether we like them or not.

For example, your boss might be a cheerful, happy person, but in today's parlance, you might want to be careful about calling him 'gay', even if that is a technically correct way of describing his personality. Unless he or she is also 'gay' in the modern sense of that word; not that there's anything wrong with that.

Again, it is imperative that we choose words that do not come loaded with sub-textual meaning, lest our original intentions become muddied.

I do in fact check my dictionary frequently. As you may be able to tell already, words and their meanings are very important to me, as they should be to every writer. Words are even a major component of two of my main hobbies - I am a 'cryptic crossword' puzzle enthusiast, and one of my major tasks in my little rock 'n' roll band is making sure I get the lyrics correct, even for the songs on which the other guys sing lead!

I hope you would accept that the Oxford Dictionary is a reasonable arbiter in determining the meanings of words. Here's what the on-line version of Oxford has to say about 'accident':
1. an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally.
2. an incident that happens by chance or without apparent cause.
3. chance.

The first meaning seems to agree with your definition. But the other two meanings use the word "chance", which implies a sense of randomness to the incident. Definition 2 specifically mentions "without apparent cause", and that certainly does NOT apply to car crashes, which virtually always have definitive, predictable and largely preventable causes.

In other words (!) it is not merely the absence of intent which causes something to be labeled an "accident".

Consider the field of jurisprudence. There is a major distinction between 'murder' and 'involuntary manslaughter'. My understanding of the law (my father was a lawyer) is that 'intent' is a major differentiator. But the victim is still dead; a crime has been committed. You would not say that a death determined to be 'involuntary manslaughter' was an 'accident' solely because there was no 'intent' to kill the person. It did NOT happen by 'chance'; there WAS a cause.

There are also varying degrees of negligence in the law, some of which call for criminal punishment. Again, perhaps there was no 'intent' to commit a crime, but failure to take reasonable precautions also can impart guilt. Likewise in civil cases.

And so it is in virtually every car crash. There is either an action that WAS done by someone which caused the crash to occur, or an action that was NOT done, and the negligence in not doing so was what allowed the crash to happen.

Consider these two descriptions of a hypothetical traffic crash:

(1): Joe Schmoe, 40, was killed in a car accident last night. His car lost control and ran head-on into a minivan carrying a family of six. Schmoe and the six family members were all pronounced dead at the scene.

(2) Joe Schmoe, 40, was killed last night when the Mississauga resident, whose Blood Alcohol Content was posthumously measured at 0.10 (0.08 is the legal limit) and who had not taken any advanced driver training, abandoned control of his car when it began to skid on a slippery corner.
The car ran head-on into a minivan carrying a family of six. Schmoe, who was not wearing his seat belt, was ejected from the car and died on impact. All six family members were also killed.

To me, and to virtually everyone in the traffic safety 'community' (speaking of connotations I don't like; to me, the word 'community' means people living in a geographically contiguous manner, but it has acquired a different sense in context...) the first description, notably the get-out-of-jail-free word "accident", implies that there was nothing Schmoe could have done to prevent these deaths.

True, he probably did not 'intend' to have a crash (we know a substantial percentage of fatal car crashes are suicides; we just don't know for sure how large that number is...).

But when you study the statistics, you can only conclude that Schmoe did NOT do at least one thing he could have done - learn how to drive! - to prevent the collision from happening at all; and he DID at least two things that increased the chances of it being fatal, both to himself and to the innocent victims - driving drunk, and not wearing his seat belt.

I will allow that it was by 'chance' that the minivan was involved in the crash. But without the actions taken and not taken by Schmoe, there would not have been a crash in the first place; the crash DID have a cause or causes, and hence can hardly be considered an 'accident'.

The reason we in said 'traffic safety community' rail against the 'A'-word is because it tends to let the Schmoes of the world off the hook.

Why use a word like 'accident' which adds nothing to the description of the event except a sense that there was nothing that could have been done to prevent the event, when words like 'crash' or 'collision' simply describe the event, without imparting either guilt or innocence to anyone?

That is why we are trying to eliminate the 'A'-word from media car crash descriptions.

Is this just another example of political correctness running wild?

Maybe.

But words ARE important, and we believe it is critical that we use the most accurate words we can, to make sure the full meaning of what we are trying to communicate is in fact communicated.

***********************

After the Wheels column which initiated this discussion appeared, Number One Daughter noticed a report on a fatal traffic crash in the Scarborough Mirror (one of The Star's sister company Metroland's titles) which did in fact use 'crash', not the 'A'-word, and also mentioned that the investigating police officers had not yet determined if the victims had been wearing their seat belts.

Maybe the timing of this story and my column was sheer coincidence, but at least the reporter at

The Mirror was asking the right questions.

Good on him.

I hope all media people - print, broadcast, narrow-cast, new media, whatever - will follow suit.

~~Editor's Note~~
I completely agree with Mr. Kenzie on this issue. The use of the word accident has done a terrible disservice to all of us, creating a "cop-out" mentality view of collisions. "Accident" and "not-at-fault" have minimized the liability and responsibility issues associated with collisions.

What's your thoughts? Let us know.

Toronto Winter Driving - Couldn't Avoid it Forever

2010-02-22T09:49:00.005-05:00

Finally Winter Driving!!! Part III

Yeah, this is pretty much a re-post of information that I wrote about a couple of weeks ago. But, the song remains the same... According to the news reports this morning Toronto is about to get a blast of Winter. Supposedly 10cm of snow...remember February 9th? "Look out Toronto, 5 cm on the way!!"

By the way...don't do what this driver is doing...clear all the snow. We don't want to see any mobile igloos. They are bad.

Has the pampering of the past few dry months made us all forget how to drive in winter?YES THEY HAVE...they always do!!!

Today's snow fall is expected to be continuous from late morning, into the night. You know what that means...busy drive time afternoon rush, we will be crippled by cars that have spun out, gone into the ditch, cars that have rear ended other cars and people that can't see because they refuse to clear more than a 4 inch square to look through, while they blind the rest of us when the snow clears itself off their cars, onto ours.

It's not the severity of the crashes that occur, it's the frequency of preventable collisions or driving hazards. So, to help out everyone that 'needs' to drive...(have you tried public transit, even if only for bad weather days?)...here are:

Feel free to read all 10, but I can sum up the best parts of it with this:

Slow your pace;

Leave more space;

Clear all the snow;

To get to your place.

(Author unknown) Well he's known but he just won't admit to it.

The Top 10 Things You Can Do To Stay Safe In Bad Winter Weather

10.) Ensure your tires have the proper pressure, adequate tread depth and are in good overall condition.

9.) Carry and USE a good quality snow brush and scrapper. Clean the entire car and scrape all your windows. (Don't use wipers and washer fluid to do this...re-freeze and wiper damage will result)

8.) Replace your wiper blades as needed and keep washer fluid reservoir full. Winter plays havoc on the blades and you will use a lot of the juice. (ice, salt and grime destroys the blades, keep an extra jug in the trunk.)

7.) Don't wear heavy boots. Keep them with you but wear sensible shoes for driving (You don't want to press two pedals at the same time)

6.) Dress in layers so that you will still be warm when you take off the over-stuffed, over sized winter coat to drive. (better for sight and movement)

5.) If you need a quick defrost, turn on your air conditioner in the warm position with circulation set to re-circulate. (Pulls moisture out of the air)

4.) Leave extra space in front of you...you may need it and you are control of it. (Slippery roads require greater distance to stop so give yourself extra to start with.)

3.) Signal all lane changes and turns. (You have to all the time, but since the roads suck away some of your safety net in winter you want to give everyone warnings to all your movements.)

2.) SLOW DOWN!!! "But the speed limit is 60 officer. I couldn't have been going too fast for the conditions." The speed limit is the maximum speed for IDEAL conditions...of which winter driving is not ideal. Leave sooner, add extra time to all your trips....and the number 1 thing you can do to stay safe in bad winter weather is...

1.) DON'T DRIVE (public transit, car pooling, time shifting, staying home, avoid unnecessary trips)Make my earlier prediction false. Snow will always slow us down, bad driving makes us stop.

I love this quote from my partner who is one of Toronto's best driver training officers.

"Once your environment changes, your driving behaviour and attitude must change with it"-Police Constable Hugh Smith-

Traffic fatality #11/2010

2010-02-18T21:08:00.000-05:00

Traffic fatality #11/2010

Broadcast time: 16:12

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Traffic Services 416−808−1900

On Thursday, February 18, 2010, at 12:18 a.m., police responded to a personal injury collision on Pharmacy Avenue, at St. Bede’s Road.

It is alleged that:

− an 18−year−old man, driving an Eagle Talon, was southbound on Pharmacy Avenue, at St. Bede’s Road, travelling at high speed,

− the driver lost control of his car which left the roadway, striking a hydro pole, coming to rest 40 metres down the street,

− during the collision, a 19−year−old woman and a 15−year−old girl were ejected from the rear seat,

− the driver and the 15 year−old girl fled the scene of the collision but were located at hospital, The 15−year−old girl sustained non−life−threatening injuries.

The 18−year−old man was treated for non−life−threatening injuries and was later arrested. The 19−year−old woman was taken to hospital with life−threatening injuries and later died.

Donald LePage, 18, of Toronto, has been charged with:

1) Dangerous Operation Causing Death,

2) Dangerous Operation Causing Bodily Harm,

3) Fail to stop at scene of accident cause death,

4) Fail to stop at scene of accident bodily harm,

5) Drive motor vehicle, no licence,

6) Use plate not authorized for motor vehicle.

He was scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East, on Thursday, February 18, 2010, room 412, at 2 p.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416−808−1900, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416−222−TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, or text TOR and yourID:message to CRIMES (274637).

Public Safety Alert, Pedestrian safety advice

2010-02-18T21:01:00.004-05:00

Toronto Police News Release

Public Safety Alert, Pedestrian safety advice

Broadcast time: 10:34

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Traffic Services 416−808−1900

Pedestrian deaths on our roadways have represented a greater percentage of all traffic fatalities over the last few years. To ensure pedestrian safety, police would like to remind the public of their responsibilities crossing the roadways.

To lawfully cross a signalized intersection with pedestrian controls, you may only enter the roadway when the walk signal is illuminated for your direction of travel.

It is illegal to enter the roadway if the “do not walk signal” is flashing or is solid.

When there are no pedestrian controls, you may only enter the roadway on a solid green signal for your direction of travel.

Where there are painted lines on the roadway indicating either a pedestrian crosswalk or pedestrian crossover, you must cross within those lines.

It is illegal to cross a street mid−block and interfere with traffic.

The Toronto Police Service is encouraging pedestrians and motorists to be alert and and take the necessary steps to ensure their safety by following these tips:

− cross with traffic controls and be cautious when crossing any intersection,

− pay attention to surroundings when entering and leaving TTC vehicles,

− make sure you are visible; wear bright or reflective clothing,

− make an effort to get eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb,

− be patient and courteous and respectful of all road−users,

− cross on a fresh signal, watching out for vehicles turning across your path.

Pedestrians have the same responsibility as motorists to follow the rules of the road and not compromise their safety or that of any road users. No matter who has the right of way,pedestrians should always be prepared to stop, look and listen for other traffic to avoid a collision.

Driver in pedestrian collision charged with running red

2010-02-18T20:54:00.003-05:00

Reposted from the CBC News website...link at the end of the articles will take you to the original story with all the readers comments...very interesting as usual.

The driver of a car that struck and badly injured two pedestrians in midtown Toronto has been charged with careless driving and failure to stop at a red light.

Two women, aged 61 and 53, were both taken to Sunnybrook Hospital. One has life-threatening injuries and the other is listed in serious condition.

Sgt. Tim Burrows of the police traffic division said the women were struck by a red Acura as they crossed the intersection at Eglinton Avenue East and Bayview Avenue, at around 8:30 a.m.

The 61-year-old woman sustained the more serious injuries, police said in a release.

The 44-year-old driver of the Acura was charged Wednesday afternoon. She will make a court appearance in Toronto April 8.

According to police the pedestrians were inside the crosswalk, crossing from the north to the south side of Eglinton when they were hit by the car as it travelled east.

Police closed the intersection to investigate, but re-opened it at around 11:45 a.m.

There were 14 pedestrian deaths across the GTA in January. Ten of the deaths were in Toronto.

Right of Way - Way to be Dead Right

2010-02-14T09:44:00.002-05:00

One of the constants that is echoed time and time again when I am detailing the cause of collisions is the fabled, "Right of Way." I am asked, "Who had the right of way?" or I am told that, "Person 'A' had the right of way."

My response is always the same, "Right of way is a terrible argument to stand on from a hospital bed." Truthfully, the people who stand behind right of way most often are our most vulnerable road users...cyclists and pedestrians, which is why the argument from a hospital bed is for the lucky ones.

These are the same groups that scream loud and repeatedly, "Drivers don't see us, drivers don't care about us, drivers tool around in their own worlds, drivers ignore our rights to the road."

So, if you know all of the above, what makes you think that drivers heed the right of way. If they don't see you, care about you or ignore you...why in the world would you bet your life on three little words?

A quick look at the Highway Traffic Act shows that the words 'right of way' appear 18 times (26 times if you count titles). To put it into perspective yield appears 29 times and stop over 100 times.

To give the perfect example, I posed this question on Twitter Friday afternoon.

"Pop quiz. If four cars arrive at an all way stop from the four different directions at the exact same time, who goes first?"

The answers were varied and thoughtful. Some seemed reasonable and some were close, but no one actually got the real answer. There is no answer. The HTA doesn't deal with this situation. The act says that when two cars meet at an intersection at the same time the driver on the left must yield the right of way to the driver on the right.

In the scenario that I posed, all drivers had someone to their left and right...all would have to yield. The result...stalemate. By the way...best answer, "DuncansCityRide

@TrafficServices Answer - They must all get out of their cars and walk to the nearest bike shop!"

What you have to do is simple...COMMUNICATE! You have to talk to each other. Flash your highbeams, signal, wave, get eye contact....what ever it takes to cooperatively determine who is going to go and when. Most people are afraid to make a decision and will simply pass it off to the next person to choose. (You will know if there is an "A" type personality in the group...they stop look at what is happening and go.)

So back to another problem with right of way. Let's say you are a pedestrian. You have a walk signal and there is a green light for your direction of travel and you are going to walk within a crosswalk. You have the all powerful "right of way" so you go, like most pedestrians do....complete with all the confidence of the RIGHT OF WAY!!!!

What you didn't do is take into account that there is a car coming from your right. The driver of that car just had a heart attack and the car is not going to stop until it slams into something. Because of your "Right of Way" you never took the time to look and be aware of your surroundings. If you had, you more than likely would of seen the car coming, you would have recognized that the car was travelling faster than it should be towards a red light, you would have calculated that the car and yourself will meet at the exact same time, in the crosswalk, with your green light and your walk sign. So start yelling..."I have the right of way, I have the right of way, I have the..." you get the picture.

Now you are in the hospital, if you're lucky, and you stand up on your soapbox (if you can) talking about the right of way...good for you and your ideals.

Rewind. Before you step onto the roadway with the "right of way", you look, you see the car coming you realize that you will get hit if that car doesn't stop so you watch the car travel past you and you can see your family and friends and tell them about what you saw.

The Highway Traffic Act is great for regulating traffic flow and giving us direction as to what should happen. But some people make mistakes and some others just don't care about your safety. Those are the times that you hope to see a police officer that saw the offence.

So what do you do to protect yourself?

Use our roadways like no one sees you>You need to see everyone>So look, continue to look and be aware.

Obey all the laws in place to protect you>Trust that your fellow road users will do the same.

Be predictable, be seen, be cooperative>The goal is to get where you want to go safely.

COMMUNICATE with each other.

Wouldn't you rather give up your right of way than your life?

The right of way is only words until it is actually your right to take safely. You may be right about your right of way, but you could be dead right taking it...literally.

Winter Driving, In a Top 10 List!!!

2010-02-09T09:50:00.005-05:00

Finally Winter Driving!!!

According to the news reports this morning Toronto is about to get a blast of Winter. A staggering 7cm has been predicted for the area...7cm (2 and 3/4 inches)...look out!!

Don't let anyone in the Mid-Atlantic States know that we are calling this a serious problem. This is Canada!! That's the amount of snow we are supposed to get daily...come on. Has the pampering of the past few dry months made us all forget how to drive in winter?

YES THEY HAVE...they always do!!!

I predict that if the snow falls during a busy drive time (afternoon or morning rush), we will be crippled by cars that have spun out, gone into the ditch, cars that have rear ended other cars and people that can't see because they refuse to clear more than a 4 inch square to look through, while they blind the rest of us when the snow clears itself off their cars, onto ours.

Every first snow fall of the year, police everywhere shudder at what is going to happen on our roads. It's not the severity of the crashes that occur, it's the frequency of preventable collisions or driving hazards.

So, to help out everyone that 'needs' to drive...(have you tried public transit, even if only for bad weather days?)...here are:

The Top 10 Things You Can Do To Stay Safe In Bad Winter Weather

10.) Ensure your tires have the proper pressure, adequate tread depth and are in good overall condition.

9.) Carry and USE a good quality snow brush and scrapper. Clean the entire car and scrape all your windows. (Don't use wipers and washer fluid to do this...re-freeze and wiper damage will result)

8.) Replace your wiper blades as needed and keep washer fluid reservoir full. Winter plays havoc on the blades and you will use a lot of the juice. (ice, salt and grime destroys the blades, keep an extra jug in the trunk.)

7.) Don't wear heavy boots. Keep them with you but wear sensible shoes for driving (You don't want to press two pedals at the same time)

6.) Dress in layers so that you will still be warm when you take off the over-stuffed, over sized winter coat to drive. (better for sight and movement)

5.) If you need a quick defrost, turn on your air conditioner in the warm position with circulation set to re-circulate. (Pulls moisture out of the air)

4.) Leave extra space in front of you...you may need it and you are control of it. (Slippery roads require greater distance to stop so give yourself extra to start with.)

3.) Signal all lane changes and turns. (You have to all the time, but since the roads suck away some of your safety net in winter you want to give everyone warnings to all your movements.)

2.) SLOW DOWN!!! "But the speed limit is 60 officer. I couldn't have been going too fast for the conditions." The speed limit is the maximum speed for IDEAL conditions...of which winter driving is not ideal. Leave sooner, add extra time to all your trips.

...and the number 1 thing you can do to stay safe in bad winter weather is...

1.) DON'T DRIVE (public transit, car pooling, time shifting, staying home, avoid unnecessary trips)

Make my earlier prediction false. Snow will always slow us down, bad driving makes us stop. Use these ten, especially 3, 2 and 1 and you will show my prediction to be wrong.

I love this quote from my partner who is one of Toronto's best driver training officers.
"Once your environment changes, your driving behaviour and attitude must change with it"
-Police Constable Hugh Smith-

How Much Can I Drink And Be Safe To Drive?

2010-02-07T11:29:00.002-05:00

I have been asked, like many police officers, “How much can I have to drink and still be ok to drive?”

The traffic safety officer in me says, “None. As soon as you take a drink you have started to compromise several of your bodies necessary needs to operate a motor vehicle.”

The realist, everyday person, husband and father says, “Are you stupid? Why do you want to drink and then drive? There is no amount that is safe dumb a….! My kids play road hockey on the street. We are driving coming home from dinner or shopping. Don’t you dare risk our lives with your stupidity!!”

You see, it comes up around this time of year, Super Bowl Sunday, Victoria Day Weekend (Memorial Day), Labour Day, New Years, over and over…”But just one or two is ok right?

Sure it is. No one wants to ruin your good time. No one has ever said don’t have a drink. Many of us can go out and have drinks and there is absolutely no problem….as long as you aren’t driving afterwards.

Public transit, taxi’s, limo’s, car pooling with a designated driver, getting a hotel room, phone a friend/parent/child/sibling…there are many, many options.

On the flip side, having your car impounded, losing your license, getting arrested and having a criminal record, risking hurting someone else or yourself, maybe even death…is the one or tow drinks worth that? What if you got into a collision that wasn’t your fault, but the collision report says…had been drinking. Explain that to your insurance company.

What about the breath devices that you can use in a bar, or devices you can buy at the drug store. How about BAC calculators that tell you what your alcohol level is? There is even an App for that and a device you can add to your iPhone/iPod.

Do you want to trust your license, livelihood and life to a $45 dollar device that is never calibrated to scientific measurements that police use? Does it not seem suspicious that a bar that by nature sells alcohol would offer a device to tell you to stop drinking?

Here is the simple answer…NONE!!!!! IF YOU DRINK, DON’T DRIVE.

Seeing is believing when it comes to road safety

2010-02-06T10:55:00.002-05:00

Re-post from wheels.ca, saturday february, 6th.

IAN LAW

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

It's not how you look while driving, it's how you look.

I'm not talking fashion here. This is not about making Bruno proud of your attire. This is all about vision and how you use this most important sense while driving.

Knowing where to look while driving is absolutely critical for safe motoring. It is a skill that is not emphasized nearly enough in most driving schools.

It requires a great deal of guidance and training to develop good vision skills.

Unfortunately, we must overcome hundreds of thousands of years of evolutionary hardwiring to use our vision efficiently for driving. Over all those millennia, our brains developed in such a way that we instinctively look toward the ground as we walk or run. Our ancestors had to watch for rocks, logs and dips in their pathway while on the move at speeds around, say, 10 km/h. As a result, it's not natural to keep our eyes up and vision high for today's high-speed transportation.

Here are some good vision-training techniques to work on whenever you're behind the wheel:

Keep your vision high: It's crucial to look as far up the road as possible. Allowing our eyes to drop to focus on the vehicle in front of us is natural and very easy to do. This is a common mistake among motorists. There are three main dangers with this bad habit:

It's not enough to simply react to what the vehicle in front does. We need to know much earlier what is making the traffic in front of us brake, swerve or slide off the road.

If we're looking at the vehicle in front of us and its driver makes a mistake, we will likely make the same mistake.

It can lead to "vision lock," where our dazed eyes focus on an object.

Keeping our vision high also has another benefit. Our brain is always making thousands of calculations per second without our being aware of it, affecting our balance and direction, for example. With our vision high, our brain can orient itself to the horizon. This allows us to pick up subtle changes in our vehicles' attitude so we can make early successful corrections instead of the late big corrections, which rarely work as a result of our vision being too low.

Look to where you want to go: We have all heard the coaching mantra "keep your eye on the ball.'' Whether it is golf or baseball, many athletes have been trained to look at something if they want to hit it. The same applies to driving. If you want to collide with something, look at it. Since all of us would prefer not to hit something when driving, it's best not to look at any object you wish to avoid. Always look to where you want to go. If a vehicle pulls out into your path or a child runs in front of your vehicle, do not look at them, look at your escape route to avoid them.

You will always go to where you are looking. It's not easy to develop the skill of taking your eyes off the threat in front of you and look to where you need to be going.

Even simple turns are accomplished with better precision and ease when looking to where you want to be and not where you are. More complicated curves are handled with less drama and stress.

Check your mirrors every five to eight seconds: What is behind you will likely try to pass you at some point in your trip. By glancing in your mirrors more often, you won't be surprised by other vehicles approaching from behind. Pilots call this "situational awareness."

It's vital to safe driving that you know where all other vehicles are or where they are likely to be.

Do the A-pillar shuffle: With modern vehicles being designed with improved aerodynamics and styling in mind, windshields are becoming more reclined. As a result, engineers must strengthen the posts around the windshield to help prevent the roof from collapsing on the occupants in a rollover.

To do this they must make the pillar holding up the front windshield thicker. The result is a large blind spot around the side-view mirrors and up to the roof line big enough to hide a pedestrian, cyclist or even a complete vehicle.

To see around this, simply move your head side to side or what I call the A-pillar shuffle when trying to see in that direction.

Good vision habits are critical to safe driving.

Advanced driving schools and racing schools dedicate hours of training to proper vision techniques as this yields the biggest gains in driving skill.

www.carcontrolschool.com

~~Editor's Note~~

I can't say enough about Ian's "A-pillar Shuffle". A large number of pedestrian struck collisions at intersections can be attributed to drivers not looking around the A-pillar, (or looking before they turn period). As a driver you absolutely have to look in the direction you are going to travel before you move the wheels there.