Fatal collisions, number of traffic deaths spike in York Region

Both the number of fatal collisions and persons killed in them have spiked dramatically in a comparison to date with last year, York Regional Police are noting as traffic increases this week with the return to school.

"York Regional Police is reminding drivers in our community to stay focused on road safety," police said on releasing the traffic statistics.

Here are steps you can take to mitigate collisions and ensure roadways remain safe for all users:

• Monitor your speed: Excessive speed is the greatest contributing factor in fatal collisions.
• Wear your seatbelt: Using a seatbelt is the most effective way to reduce the chance of injury or death in a motor vehicle collision.
• Don’t drive while impaired: Impaired driving remains the number one criminal cause of death in Canada. When you drink or use drugs and drive, you risk your life, those of your passengers and the lives of every other driver and pedestrian on the road.
• Be an attentive driver: Collisions due to distracted driving are also increasingly common. Distractions can come from many sources, such as talking or texting on your phone, eating and reading.
• Stunt driving: Stunt driving charges apply to all situations where speed is 40 kilometres per hour or more over the posted speed limit. If you are charged with stunt driving, your vehicle is immediately impounded and your licence suspended for 30 days.

Pedestrians can also take steps to ensure their safety

• Cross at marked crosswalks or traffic lights: Do not cross between parked cars.
• At an intersection: Cross only when traffic has come to a complete stop and ensure you make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you are crossing.
• When walking in dusk or darkness: Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips.
• Don’t reduce your awareness: Avoid wearing headphones or talking on a cellphone.
• At traffic lights: Cross at the beginning of a green light. Do not cross once the Don’t Walk signal begins to flash or once the light has turned to yellow. Never cross on a red light.
• Where there are no curbs: Stop before the sidewalk meets the road and be alert to vehicles.