HEADS UP PROGRAM FOR CALEDON SCHOOLS
(CALEDON, ON) – The Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in collaboration with ROAD WATCH have developed a new program aimed at educating students about the dangers of being distracted while walking near traffic.
In a recent Ministry of Transportation study, the Ontario Road Safety Annual Report (ORSAR) reported that 4,522 pedestrian injuries occurred. Also, the report indicated that 114 pedestrians were killed in Ontario traffic collisions. Of these numbers, 598 were directly linked to pedestrian distraction.
The police pedestrian safety awareness program “Heads Up” was created to promote safety practices with the youth in our community. Members of ROAD WATCH developed public awareness strategies and lesson plans to support the program. The program endorses caution and reminds pedestrians that distraction can be fatal.
Inspector Rose DiMarco,“It would be devastating to be driving properly and obeying the rules of the road only to have a pedestrian step into the path of your vehicle. Along with educating drivers we must share safety tips and report injury trends in relation to distracted pedestrians”.
The Caledon Detachment of the OPP is concerned about the increasing level of pedestrian distraction, and dangerous pedestrian behaviours that can result in serious injury and death.
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Contact:Provincial Constable Brenda Evans
CSO/Media Officer
Caledon OPP
Phone: (905) 584-2241 / (647) 389-8300
