A Durham road safety notice is asking drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter riders to take extra care as shorter days bring darker commuting hours.
The Region’s October 23 announcement says October through December has the highest number of collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists. The notice does not provide a new collision total or a year-over-year comparison.
Drivers urged to check before turning
Durham Region asks motorists to slow down and pay particular attention to crosswalks and sidewalks when approaching an intersection, including when they have a green light.
Drivers should make sure their full headlight system is switched on and check carefully for people walking, cycling or riding e-scooters before turning, the notice says.
Visibility and attention for people outside vehicles
Pedestrians are advised to cross at intersections with a traffic signal, stop sign or pedestrian crossover. The Region recommends confirming that drivers have seen them and waiting until traffic stops before crossing.
The notice also encourages brightly coloured or reflective clothing during darker hours and asks pedestrians not to use phones, other devices or headphones while crossing.
For cyclists and e-scooter riders, the Region’s guidance includes using reflective gear, following traffic rules and switching on headlamps and taillights at least 30 minutes before sunset. It also urges riders to stay alert and avoid headphones.
The Durham road safety message is a newly dated regional public-service announcement. It does not announce a new traffic law, a specific enforcement blitz or a change to any particular collision investigation. The Region directs readers to its Vision Zero programme for broader road-safety information.
Featured image: original conceptual editorial illustration, not documentary photography.
