Police chief ‘concerned’ with high number of traffic fatalities in Toronto
Posted November 21, 2013 3:50 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO – Toronto police Chief Bill Blair is alarmed at the dramatic spike in the number of people killed on the city’s streets this year.
So far in 2013, there’s been 54 traffic fatalities in Toronto — compared to 44 in all of 2012.
The latest fatality happened on Wednesday, when a cyclist died after being struck by a vehicle at Sheppard Avenue and Allen Road.
Of the 54 people, 34 have been pedestrians and four have been cyclists — the highest numbers since 2009.
Chief Bill Blair said the numbers are unacceptable, and that “we’re very concerned.”
The chief said too many people are taking chances on Toronto roads, assuming drivers can see them and will avoid them.
“Just having the right-of-way doesn’t necessarily create a safe environment for you. You’ve got to make sure that the other guy sees you. You’ve got to make sure that when you cross the road, you can do so safely,” he said.
Chief Blair said drivers and everyone else using the roads need to slow down, pay attention to what they’re doing and show a little courtesy.
At this time in 2013, Toronto police investigated 38 traffic-related deaths — the 54 this year is an increase of over 40 per cent.
