City of Toronto Launches Annual Vision Zero Campaign Ahead of Daylight Saving Time Ending

Toronto, ON – With daylight saving time ending on Sunday, November 3, at 2 a.m., the City of Toronto has launched its annual Vision Zero campaign. The city is urging all road users to exercise heightened caution and look out for one another as fewer daylight hours bring increased risks, especially for pedestrians and cyclists.

The return to standard time results in longer periods of darkness, which historically correlate with a spike in pedestrian-related incidents. City statistics indicate that from November to March, pedestrian collisions rise by over 30 percent during evening commuting hours. To combat this, Toronto’s Vision Zero campaign will span several weeks, focusing on public education and raising awareness of the dangers posed by reduced visibility.

City of Toronto launches annual Vision Zero campaign to ensure road users exercise caution as clocks turn back

News release: https://t.co/62g7uqvUem pic.twitter.com/mZNtlNJGMc

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) November 1, 2024

City-Wide Awareness Campaign

The initiative will run until November 24 and will be visible across multiple platforms. Torontonians can expect to see safety reminders on billboards, the backs of buses, transit shelters, taxi tops, and in high-traffic parking garages. The campaign will also be amplified through television, radio, print, and social media channels.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility,” the City emphasized, calling on all drivers to prioritize the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. Key reminders include obeying speed limits, staying alert, and yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections. Drivers are also advised to regularly check that their vehicle headlights and signal lights are in working order.

Essential Safety Tips for Drivers

With reduced visibility making it harder to spot people and objects on the road, the City has highlighted the following tips for drivers:

• Always obey speed limits and be extra cautious when making turns.
• Avoid distractions and safely park before using mobile devices.
• Ensure all vehicle lights are functioning properly.
• Approach intersections and transit stops carefully, and yield to pedestrians.
• Stop completely at pedestrian crossovers and wait for people to fully cross.
• Allow extra travel time and plan routes in advance to accommodate slower driving conditions.

Commitment to Vision Zero

Toronto’s Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, a comprehensive strategy, is dedicated to reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries. The focus is on protecting vulnerable road users, particularly during months when daylight hours are scarce. The City continues to implement measures such as improved signage, road design enhancements, and community safety initiatives to fulfill its mission of safer streets.

For more details about Vision Zero, visit the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/VisionZero. Updates on the end of daylight saving time and safety recommendations can be found at www.toronto.ca/services-payments/end-of-daylight-saving-time.

SOURCE City of Toronto