Crosswalk Safety Society pushing for legislation to deal with distracted walking
Posted Jan 17, 2017 12:42:17 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX – The Crosswalk Safety Society is celebrating its one-year anniversary by again pushing for distracted walking legislation.
The Crosswalk Safety Society was formed last year by a group of volunteers who were installing orange crosswalk flags at dangerous intersections in an effort to cut down on the number of vehicle pedestrian crashes in the city.
Spokesperson Norm Collins told NEWS 95.7 the idea behind the law would make it illegal for anyone crossing a street while using their mobile device, much like the provinces distracted driving law designed to keep drivers’ attention on the roads.
“This isn’t going to address all of the collisions that take place,” said Collins, “but if it reduces some, then that’s a good thing. I don’t understand the harm of the legislation.”
In addition to tougher legislation, the society says there needs to be a stronger commitment to enforce the laws that are already on the books. Collins said in all of 2015, only 11 pedestrians were ticketed for crossing on a “don’t walk” sign.
He said the more the laws are enforced, the more people will pay attention and that is what the goal should be.
“If pedestrian safety truly is a priority for this city–and council has it as a priority issue–then we need to back that up with action. We need to change peoples behaviour and I believe one of the ways we can do that is with significantly increased enforcement.”
