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Police focusing on pedestrian safety and red light running in August

29/07/2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Thursday, July 29, 2010                     9:45 am

 

 

(Ottawa) – Ottawa Police will focus on pedestrian safety and red light running as part of the City’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) in August.

 

Between 2005 and 2009, 32 pedestrians were killed on Ottawa roads in traffic collisions and another 1,684 pedestrians were injured (186 of those injuries were serious).  

 

Red light running is also a serious issue on Ottawa roadways.  In 2009 alone, 774 reportable collisions occurred due to drivers failing to stop for red lights.  These collisions resulted in one death and 376 injuries – 18 of them life-threatening.

 

STEP is a monthly initiative operated by the City’s Integrated Road Safety Program (IRSP).  Each month since 2004, STEP has been profiling and enforcing two initiatives that target specific traffic safety priorities.  These initiatives support larger IRSP public awareness and enforcement campaigns.

 

In 2003, two City departments – Public Works and Ottawa Public Health – and the Ottawa Police Service developed the IRSP to provide a comprehensive approach in promoting road safety. 

 

Ottawa residents have identified traffic safety as a top priority.  The IRSP is committed to using available resources to make Ottawa roads safer for residents.

 

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For more information:

Police Media Relations

(613) 236-1222 ext. 5366

 

City Media Relations

613-580-2450

Ottawa Police Service - Service de police d'Ottawa

www.ottawapolice.ca

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