Motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of injury and death in Middlesex-London. 1 Driving is a difficult task that requires your full attention. Wear your seatbelt, drive according to the weather conditions, and share the road.
Distracted Driving
A moment of distraction is all it takes to change a life. In Ontario, holding your phone or other device while driving is against the law. If convicted, penalties include licence suspension, demerit points, and fines. Instead, use a hands-free device or a mounted device. Decide what to do with your phone before you drive. Remember -- buckle up, phone down, and slow down.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving is dangerous to your health, your passenger’s health, and everyone else on the road. Aggressive driving behaviours include actions such as speeding, tailgating, improper lane change, failure to signal, and running amber or red lights. Check out the Ontario Ministry of Transportation for risks and penalties for aggressive driving as well as tips for practising safe driving.
Impaired Driving
Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol is illegal and dangerous to you, your passengers, and other road users. Check out the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to learn about what counts as impaired driving, penalties, and tips on how to avoid driving impaired.
Winter Driving
Winter driving is challenging, but there are many ways to prepare for the weather so you can keep yourself and loved ones safe on the road. Useful tips for staying safe include keeping your fuel tank at least half full, having an ice-scraper in the car, using winter washer fluid, and putting together a survival kit to keep in your vehicle.2
School Zone Safety
Roadways around schools often fill up with cars as well as children walking and biking to and from school. Children can be unpredictable, requiring drivers to slow down and focus in order to keep all children safe. Learn how you can put safety first as you travel through school zones. Check out the local Active and Safe Routes to School Committee for resources to support school travel planning.
Seat Belts
Wearing your seatbelt greatly increases your chance of survival in a car crash. During a crash, seatbelts help to limit the force on a person’s body and prevent injuries. Seat belts are also the law, with fines and demerit points given for seatbelt offenses. Check out the Ontario Ministry of Transportation for further information regarding requirements, fines and penalties, as well as seatbelt safety tips.
Car Seat Safety
Motor vehicle collisions are the number one cause of injury-related deaths among children and youth. 3 A correctly installed car seat will reduce the chance of a child being injured or killed in a crash. In Ontario, all drivers must make sure that children under the age of 16 wear a seatbelt and children under the age of 8 are properly secured in the correct child car seat or booster seat. 4 Check out the Health Unit’s information to help you decide which car seat is best for your child.
Share the Road
Look out for cyclists and other road users -- slow down and only pass when it's safe to pass. Be respectful. Be courteous.
Ensure you leave 1 metre (3 feet) when passing a cyclist. It’s the law! As of September 1, 2015, drivers must leave a one metre (3 feet) distance when passing cyclists or face a fine and demerit points.5
For more information, please view the following resources:
Did you know that cycling injuries are easily prevented? Collisions involving bicycles are the most common type of transport collisions in Middlesex-London after motor vehicle collisions.6 Drivers and cyclists both need to be courteous when using the roads.
Check out the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s detailed handbook for rules and safety standards for cycling. This resource includes -- where to ride, road signs, laws, bike helmet fitting, and more.
The City of London has cycling maps and local cycling information, including -- learn to bike courses, bike parking and lockers, e-bike rules, as well as new cycling projects and improvements being made around the city.
Remember – be safe, be smart, and be seen!
Walking Safety
As a pedestrian, you can help keep roads safe for everyone. Follow the safety rules and wear reflective clothing to be seen day and night.
4Infant & Toddler Safety Association. (2017). Before you turn the key: Everything you wanted to know about transporting young children but didn’t know you needed to ask. Kitchener, ON: The Infant & Toddler Safety Association.
