For the fifth year in a row, speeding topped the list of traffic offences in 2020.
More than 60 per cent of all traffic offences and more than 30 per cent of fatal collisions were speed related.
Stunt driving is another concern, with related offences almost doubling in 2020 compared to the previous year, according to the Traveller Safety Report, an annual report that breaks down traffic and collision data.
Annual traffic volumes decreased by 20 to 50 per cent during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, according to the report.
“These decreases are largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the result of our communities’ adherence to provincial stay-at-home orders and other public health measures,” says York Region Chairman and CEO Wayne Emmerson.
Last year’s collision rate was down 40 per cent compared to 2019. The pedestrian collision rate dropped 42 per cent and the cycling collision rate decreased 35 per cent. Ninety-four per cent of pedestrian collisions and 84 per cent of cycling collisions resulted in injury or death.
“We have seen vehicle trips being used less during the pandemic, but in that same time, we have seen more people walking and cycling for recreation and exercise,” says Township of King Mayor Steve Pellegrini, Chair of the Region’s Transportation Services.
“These travellers are most vulnerable and have a right to use the pedestrian and cycling facilities along the Regional road network. Drivers can help by slowing down and following the rules on the road, designed to keep everyone safe.”
In a bid to address safety concerns, the Region has introduced a reduced the speed limit by 10 kilometres per hour in school zones by time of day and is also piloting a two-year limited use, automated speed enforcement program in school zones at select locations.
Rehabilitation pavement programs, meanwhile, improve traction, which in turn reduces rear-end collisions while also extending the life of the road.
