PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The new awareness campaign of the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal takes the problem upside down by addressing pedestrians rather than motorists.
“It is unacceptable for people to be killed or seriously injured while traveling on the road network. »
Posted at 9:00 a.m.
This is the principle behind Vision Zero, an approach that comes to us from Sweden and that the City of Montreal adopted in 2018. And who are the most vulnerable on the road network? Pedestrians. In 2020, 18 pedestrians lost their lives in the metropolis, and that’s not counting the serious injuries. In total, there is one incident every 41 hours.
However, rather than reminding motorists of their responsibilities, rather than telling them to be extra careful when driving their (increasingly large) vehicle, the Service de police de la ville de Montréal (SPVM) has chosen to reach out to the most vulnerable. At problematic intersections, pedestrians are therefore asked to be careful not to be hit… by cars.
Offenders behind the wheel are numerous, and very visible, in our streets: cellphones in your ear, passing the yellow-red light, non-respect of stops and pedestrian crossings, double parking, exceeding speed limits… and bonus finger of honor if a pedestrian dares to call them to order.
Near schools, it’s worse. The SAAQ lists two collisions per school day involving cars and children. It should be noted that at the wheel of these cars are… the parents of the said children.
The SPVM is taking the problem upside down. It is first of all motorists who must be called to order.