Following 29th traffic fatality this year, Ottawa police urge safety for all road users

Hours after the latest Ottawa traffic fatality, the city’s police service issued an “urgent” statement calling on all road users to make safety a priority, with drivers urged to “focus on the road” and to “give vulnerable users the space they need to travel safely.”

The passionate call to action came Oct. 14, the same day a 60-year-old male pedestrian died after being struck by a vehicle around 6:20 a.m. near the intersection of Strandherd and Cresthaven drives in Barrhaven.

The unidentified man was the 29th person killed this year in a traffic-related incident in Ottawa, the police statement said, noting that number had already surpassed last year’s total of 23 traffic-related fatalities.

“Twenty-nine families have already experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one on our roads this year,” said a quote attributed to Sgt. Josh Callaghan of the Ottawa Police Serviceroad-safety unit.

“These tragedies are not inevitable,” Callaghan continued. “Many can be prevented when all road users make safe, responsible choices every time they travel through our community. We are asking everyone to slow down, stay focused and look out for one another before another life is lost.”

Police promised to continue enforcement, education and public awareness initiatives on traffic safety across Ottawa.

They also presented a series of five common-sense reminders for drivers, along with four tips for pedestrians and cyclists to reduce their risk.

For drivers:

• Slow down and obey posted speed limits.
• Never drive while impaired by alcohol, drugs or medication.
• Put distractions away and focus on the road.
• Watch carefully for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists.
• Give vulnerable road users the space they need to travel safely

For cyclists, pedestrians and other road users:

• Follow traffic signals and cross where it is safe to do so.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions.
• Making yourself visible, particularly in low-light conditions.
• Follow the rules of the road and communicate intentions clearly.

The OPS statement concluded by “asking everyone to take this message to heart and help ensure that every road user reaches their destination safely.”

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