Fall time change can mean a higher risk of pedestrian and vehicle collisions

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2017 /CNW/ - This weekend marks the end of Daylight Savings Time, with clocks turning back an hour. It's also a time we urge drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to use extra caution on the roads — especially in work zones — as studies show pedestrians are three times more likely to be killed by vehicles during rush hour in the weeks following the fall time change.

As we want to keep the public safe — along with our crew members — we're reminding everyone that if you see Toronto Hydro crews working on city streets, slow down, pay attention and stay a safe distance away. Workers are not only dealing with traffic conditions, but also dangerous electrical equipment. Respect the orange cones that denote safe distances between road traffic and crews, and watch out for cyclists and pedestrians that may be rerouting around our trucks.

QUICK FACTS

• Drivers are encouraged to stay safe by:
  • Obeying speed limits
  • Being alert of their surroundings, including pedestrians, cyclists and road workers
  • Avoiding distractions while driving, including eating or using a phone
  • Slowing down during inclement weather; leaves on the road can cause vehicles to slide
  • Ensuring headlights, brake lights and signals are working.  Headlights should be turned on at dusk
• Pedestrians are encouraged to stay safe by:
  • Using extra caution while crossing roads
  • Trying to make eye contact with drivers before stepping off curb
  • Waiting for vehicles to stop before crossing in front of them
  • Crossing at traffic signals, crosswalks and stop signs on busy roads

QUOTES

"Our crews take precautions to stay safe while working on city streets, but we rely on drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to do their part as well. With an increase in traffic incidents at this time of year, we want everyone to take their time on the roads, especially around our work zones."
- Tori Gass, Spokesperson, Toronto Hydro

ABOUT TORONTO HYDRO

Toronto Hydro owns and operates the electricity distribution system for Canada's largest city. A leader in conservation and demand management, it has 765,000 customers located in the city of Toronto and distributes approximately 19% of the electricity consumed in Ontario.

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SOURCE Toronto Hydro Corporation