See ice or snow? Drive slow!

When schools break for the holidays tomorrow, our neighbourhoods will be filled with the excitement of students enjoying their time off. In the spirit of keeping our community safe, the City of Vaughan is reminding everyone to drive with extra caution. Let’s make this holiday season a time of joy, and above all, responsible driving. 

Children, parents and drivers need to be alert and follow the rules of the road. Take extra precautions around crosswalks, intersections, pedestrian crossovers, schools and parks. Look for stopped transit buses, snowplows and large winter operation and maintenance trucks that can obstruct the view of people walking.

Here’s some more reminders for this winter break and beyond: 

Tips for when you’re driving or cycling:

• Check weather and road conditions before leaving home or work. You may need to allow extra travel time or wait until conditions improve.

• Keep a safe distance from snowplows and salting equipment.  

• Slow down and be alert in residential neighbourhoods – it may be harder to see people in the dark. 

• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians or curbs. 

• Enter and exit driveways and laneways with extra caution.

• Obey all traffic signs and signals. Stop at all stop signs and yield to people walking.

• Expect the unexpected. Children may cross the street at the wrong place, run into oncoming traffic or ride a bike in front of a vehicle without warning.

• Obey the rules of the road, including posted speed limits. 

• Avoid distractions within the vehicle and ensure children are secured in a correctly installed child restraint seat, if required.

• Pay attention to your surroundings. Watch for, stop and yield to those walking when you approach a pedestrian crossover. (Failing to do so may result in fines from York Regional Police of up to $1,000 and four demerit points.)
• Ensure children exit on the passenger side of the vehicle. 
• Leave nine metres (or 30 feet) between the car and the crosswalks and/or stop signs when parking. Parking too close to these locations makes it difficult to see children when crossing the road.
• Watch for signs indicating "No Stopping" and "No Parking."
• Stay back 0.6 metres (or two feet) from private driveways to avoid upsetting residents.

Tips for when you’re walking:

• Be mindful of slippery conditions on sidewalks and roadways.

• Follow all road rules. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals or stop signs and crosswalks. Look left and right when crossing and keep looking as you cross.

• Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk – don’t run – across the street.

• Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them and watch for moving vehicles in driveways and lanes.

• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. 

• Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Never run out onto the street or cross between parked cars.

Let’s #SlowDownVaughan

Play an important role in urging your community to drive safely and obey speed limits on roads by participating in the City’s #SlowDownVaughan initiative. There are many ways you can get involved:

• Place a #SlowDownVaughan sign on your lawn. Pick up a sign at Vaughan community centres and the three Vaughan Public Libraries resource libraries – Bathurst Clark, Civic Centre and Pierre Berton. Signs are produced by the City and are free to take.

• Download (PDF) and print a #SlowDownVaughan sign to hang in your window at home. 

• Post about this initiative on social media using the hashtag #SlowDownVaughan (supporting graphics are available on the City’s website).

Committing to #SlowDownVaughan and adjusting your driving habits may save a life. To learn more about this city-wide campaign, visit vaughan.ca/SlowDownVaughan. 

#SlowDownVaughan is one of several initiatives underway related to road safety. The City’s MoveSmart Mobility Management Strategy sets the direction and priorities while ensuring an efficient, reliable, safe and sustainable transportation system. MoveSmart was guided by input received from the public, which identified road safety and effective traffic management as top priorities to help meet the existing and evolving needs of the community. The strategy consists of four programs, one being the Road Safety Program, created to increase road safety and raise public awareness. 

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