A New Year and More New Driving Rules

Further to the Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act, there are certain regulations that came into effect as of January 1, 2016. These rules apply to pedestrian crossovers and school crossings. These rules do not apply at all intersections.

Starting January 1, 2016, all drivers (including cyclists), must stop and yield the whole roadway to pedestrians at pedestrian crossovers and also at school crossings where there is a crossing guard displaying a school crossing stop sign. Only when pedestrians and school crossing guards are safely on the sidewalk, can drivers and cyclists proceed.

The rules apply at pedestrian crossovers that are identified with specific signs, road markings and lights. It is important to note that these new rules do not apply to pedestrian crosswalks at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals, unless a school crossing guard is present.

The Ministry of Transportation clarifies the different types of crosswalks/intersections as follows

• Pedestrian crossovers are identified by specific signs, pavement markings and lights, i.e. they have illuminated overhead lights and warning signs as well as pedestrian push buttons;
• A crosswalk is a crossing location usually seen at an intersection with traffic signals, pedestrian signals or a stop sign and a cross walk can be the portion of a roadway that connects sidewalks on opposite sides of the roadway into a continuous path or the portion of the roadway that is indicated for pedestrian crossing by clear markings on the surface of the roadway at any location, including an intersection
• A school crossing is any pedestrian crossing where a school crossing guard is actually present and is displaying a school crossing stop sign.

The Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act also provides municipal road authorities with the ability to install new types of pedestrian crossovers on low speed, low volume roads in addition to the existing crossovers.

Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians must share the road and it is up to all of them to play a role in road safety.

Under the new rules, drivers will be fined between $150-$300 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 is between $200-$1000. This is because running a red light puts pedestrians at risk. In Community Safety Zones, near schools and public areas fines are doubled.

Here are some tips to keep safe as a pedestrian and a driver

Pedestrians

• Pedestrians should only cross at marked crosswalks or traffic lights;
• Pedestrians should only cross when traffic has come to a complete stop and at the start of a green light;
• Pedestrians should not cross once the light turns yellow, once the “don’t walk” signal starts flashing
• Pedestrians should never cross in the middle of the block, at a red light or between parked cars;
• Make eye contact with drivers if possible before you step onto the road;
• Be seen by drivers- especially on dark winter days (at dawn and dusk), by wearing bright/light coloured clothing or reflective clothing;
• Be ware of cars turning into and out of driveways.

Drivers

• Be on the lookout for pedestrians as you drive – always look for pedestrians, especially when turning;
• Be on the lookout for children and drive cautiously through residential and school zones;
• Drivers should look out for Community Safety Zone signs, as these signs indicate there is an area that is a special risk to pedestrians;
• Have patience with pedestrians- especially those who require more time to cross the road.

If you or someone you know have been injured as the result of a car accident, whether you were a pedestrian, cyclist or driver, you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to find out your rights and what types of compensation you may be entitled to.