Grey County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) urge both pedestrians and drivers to take charge of their safety on our roads. If you are a pedestrian:

- Be alert and aware of your surroundings.

- Stay off electronic devices, which are known to cause distraction.

- Ensure that you are visible to drivers, wear light and reflective colours, especially at night.

- Cross only at marked crosswalks or traffic lights. Don't cross in the middle of the block or between parked cars.

- Look both ways and make sure you have time to cross the road safely.

- Watch for moving motor vehicles and cyclists.

If you are a driver:

- Always look for pedestrians, especially when turning.

- Watch your speed and be aware of reduced speeds, especially in school and construction zones.

- Avoid distractions! Put your phone and electronic devices away when driving.

- Yield to pedestrians. Be patient, especially with seniors or pedestrians with disabilities who need more time to cross the road.

If you are a parent or caregiver:

Show your children how to cross a road safely. Teach them to:

- Stay to the side of the road, walking as far away from traffic as they can safely.

- Stop and look both ways at the edge of the sidewalk before they cross a road.

- Take extra care on roadways that have no curbs.

- Watch out for blind corners (for example, a car coming out of an alley may not see a child pedestrian).

For more information on pedestrian safety visit: www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/safety/pedestrian-safety.shtml

source: media release, Grey County OPP