3 January 2016 / #cars #crosswalks New rules at pedestrian crossovers and school crossings(via the _ Ontario Ministry of Transportation _ ) ** Starting January 1st, 2016 ** , drivers (including cyclists) must stop and yield the whole roadway at: * pedestrian crossovers; and, * at school crossings where there is a crossing guard displaying a school crossing stop sign. These rules apply at pedestrian crossovers identified with specific signs, road markings and lights – the new rules do not apply to pedestrian crosswalks at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals, unless a school crossing guard is present.The new law, part of Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act, also provides municipal road authorities the ability to install new types of pedestrian crossovers on low speed, low volume roads in addition to the existing crossovers.It is up to both drivers and pedestrians to keep everyone safe on Ontario roads. Learn more about how to stay safe as a pedestrian and as a driver.For pedestriansIt is up to both drivers and pedestrians to keep everyone safe on Ontario roads. Learn more about how to stay safe as a pedestrian and as a driver. * Cross only at marked crosswalks or traffic lights. Don't cross in the middle of the block or between parked cars. * Make sure drivers see you before you cross. If the driver is stopped, make eye contact before you step into the road. * Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, especially at dusk or when it's dark. * At a traffic light: * Cross when traffic has come to a complete stop. * Cross at the start of a green light. * Don't cross once the “Don't Walk” signal starts to flash or the light turns yellow. * Never cross on a red light. * Watch for traffic turning at intersections or turning into and leaving driveways. For driversPay special attention to pedestrians as you drive. Here are some tips to follow: * Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning. * Watch for children. Drive slowly and cautiously through school zones, residential areas, or any other area where children could be walking or playing. * Watch out for Community Safety Zone signs that indicate areas where there is a special risk to pedestrians. * Be patient, especially with seniors or pedestrians with disabilities who need more time to cross the road. * Drive carefully near streetcar stops with islands or zones for passengers getting on and off. Pass them at reasonable speeds, and always be ready in case pedestrians make sudden or unexpected moves. FinesDrivers will be fined ** $150 to $500 and 3 demerit points ** for offences at pedestrian crossings, school crossings and at crosswalks where there are traffic signals. The maximum fine for running a red light - a practice that puts pedestrians at risk - is $200 to $1000.Fines are ** doubled in Community Safety Zones, ** near schools and public areas. These areas are clearly marked with signs.For parentsShow your children how to cross a road safely. Teach them to: * Stay to the side of the road, walking as far away from traffic as they safely can * Stop and look both ways at the edge of the sidewalk before they cross a road * Take extra care on roadways that have no curbs * Watch out for blind corners (for example, a car coming out of an alley may not see a child pedestrian about to cross). New Pedestrian Safety Changes - Frequently Asked Questions ** Q1: What is the new law for pedestrians? **Effective Jan. 1, 2016, drivers and cyclists must stop and yield the entire roadway at: * pedestrian crossovers; and, * school crossings and all intersections where there is a crossing guard. Only when pedestrians and school crossing guards are safely on the sidewalk, can drivers and cyclists proceed.** Q2: Why are cyclists included with cars in this law? **Cyclists must follow the same rules as drivers and may face the same fine as drivers – the new law requires cyclists to stop and yield the whole roadway to pedestrians and school crossing guards before proceeding.** Q3: Why did the province make this change? **This new law is intended to make roads safer for school children, pedestrians and school crossing guards. Pedestrians, school children and school crossing guards are among the most vulnerable road users. The new law responds to recommendations related to pedestrian safety in the Chief Coroner’s Report on Pedestrian Deaths released in 2012 and also to numerous requests from municipalities and safety organizations.** Q4: Where does the new law apply? Not apply? ** ** Applies at: ** ** Does not apply at: ** </tr> <tr > * All pedestrian crossovers. * School crossings and any location where a school crossing guard is present. * Crosswalks – with or without traffic signals or stop signs – unless a school crossing guard is present ** Q5: What is the difference between a pedestrian crossover and a crosswalk? Are they different? **They are different. The new law applies at pedestrian crossovers, not at crosswalks – unless a school crossing guard is present.Pedestrian crossovers are identified by specific signs, pavement markings and lights – they have illuminated overhead lights/warning signs and pedestrian push buttons. _ Drivers and cyclists must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road _ A crosswalk is a crossing location usually found at intersections with traffic signals, pedestrian signals or stop signs. A crosswalk can be: * the portion of a roadway that connects sidewalks on opposite sides of the roadway into a continuous path; or, * the portion of a roadway that is indicated for pedestrian crossing by signs, lines or other markings on the surface of the roadway at any location, including an intersection. _ Illustration of crosswalks at an intersection with traffic signals and pedestrian signals _** Q6: What is a school crossing? **A school crossing is any pedestrian crossing where a school crossing guard is present and displaying a school crossing stop sign. _ Drivers and cyclists must wait until children, school crossing guards and all pedestrians have completely crossed the road _** Q7: Does the law apply province wide? **Starting January 1, 2016 the new law applies province wide to all pedestrian crossovers, school crossings and all intersections where a school crossing guard is present.** Q8: What are the penalties? **Drivers and cyclists may face a fine in the range of $150-$500 – drivers may also face 3 demerit points. Fines will be doubled in community safety zones.** Q9: Are there any new types of crossovers where this law will apply? **Yes. In response to requests from municipalities for more options for pedestrian crossovers, starting January 1, 2016, municipal road authorities may choose to install one of the new types of crossovers. The law will apply to these new types of pedestrian crossovers in municipalities that choose to install them. _ Drivers and cyclists must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road _ _ Drivers and cyclists must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road _ _ Drivers and cyclists must wait until pedestrians have completely crossed the road _