The City of Hamilton and Hamilton police are joining forces to tackle speeding violations.
The pair has launched a new education campaign as part of the joint Vision Zero Action Plan, which is focused on transforming road safety with the goal of zero fatalities or serious injuries on roadways. Vision Zero emphasizes safe speeds, safe roads, safe vehicles and safe drivers.
“One of the keys to safer driving on our streets is the obeying of our speed limits,” said Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger.
“Together, we can bring driving speeds down and ensure our roads are safer for our families. Lives matter, and driving the speed limit saves them. Let’s do our part and drive safer.”
Supt. Martin Schulenberg, who heads the Hamilton Police Service’s support services, echoed the mayor’s comments.
“Speeding is the cornerstone of aggressive driving,” added Schulenberg.
“Drivers need to slow down, drive according to conditions and move over for emergency responders. With the assistance of all road users, we can reduce injuries and collisions.”
The education campaign’s slogan reads: “There’s no such thing as speeding a little — speeding is speeding.”
Motorists are being urged to pay close attention to their speed and drive with caution.
“Driving at safe speeds is extremely important to the liveability and safety of our community,” said Edward Soldo, director of transportation operations and maintenance with the City of Hamilton. “Exceeding posted speed limits puts our children, neighbours and families at risk. As we implement Vision Zero in our community, motorists need to consider these consequences and drive at a safe speed at all times.”
The City of Hamilton and the Hamilton Police Service are encouraging motorists to:
- Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you need to go. Leave earlier so you do not rush to your destination.
- Pay close attention to the speedometer. Take a quick look down to see how fast you’re going and adjust your speed accordingly. Use the cruise control option to set a safe speed.
- Be cautious: do not speed through intersections, even if you have the right of way — especially if pedestrians and cyclists are present in the area.
- Be especially careful at night, early evening, early morning or if the sun is in your eyes.
- Slow down for older pedestrians who need more time to cross the road or children playing near or crossing the street.
- Be courteous to all pedestrians who share the road with you.
- Treat pedestrians with respect.
- Stay alert and slow down on residential streets and through school zones.
- Practice safe, mindful driving habits to improve road safety and decrease road injuries and fatalities.
WATCH: ‘Absolutely irresponsible’ — OPP stop man with 2 kids in car and speeding over 180 km/h while impaired
The city says that additional traffic safety campaigns under the Vision Zero umbrella will begin later in 2019 and will include a focus on distracted driving, back-to-school safety, pedestrian crossovers and roundabouts, seatbelt safety and more.
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