Road laws and enforcement interventions can increase pedestrian safety, according to studies. Montreal certainly needs these right now as pedestrian deaths are on the rise. One of the latest victims killed on Montreal’s streets was a 7-year Ukrainian refugee. There have now been calls in the area for serious action to be taken to protect pedestrians. But just what is being done?
Determining fault
It’s important to note that drivers aren’t always solely to blame for accidents involving pedestrians. Jaywalking is a common cause of road accidents between drivers and pedestrians. 67% of Canadians say they often see people jaywalking. In Montreal, jaywalking is only illegal when it occurs within the “vicinity of an intersection.” In circumstances like this, it can be tricky to determine who’s at fault. A team of legal professionals, such as lawyers, ex-police officers, and paralegals will fight for justice and work for the best outcome possible. Anything from a traffic ticket to criminal charges can be fought against, regardless of whether you’re a pedestrian or a driver.
Request for help from the government
When it comes to pedestrians losing their lives in Montreal, Piétons Québec is readily speaking out. The organization, which encourages people in Montreal and the rest of Quebec to get walking, has requested a meeting with Premier François Legault and provincial Transport Minister Geneviève Guilbault. Following the death of 7-year-old Mariia Lehenkovska, the group also teamed up with Vélorution Montréal for a protest march. A report published on December 19 quoted the group as saying that at least 14 people across Quebec had been struck by vehicles in the previous fortnight. Since then, another Montreal pedestrian has fallen victim to the roads. An 85-year-old female sadly died in Laval on December 20.
Road changes
In what appeared to be a response to Piétons Québec and Vélorution Montréal’s march, road changes in the area where Lehenkovska lost her life will be changed, according to city officials. The little girl’s life was lost on Rouen Street while walking to school. Montreal City has announced that the stop signs around the street will be made bigger to increase their visibility. They will also narrow the road at the Parthenais and de Rouen interchange with the aim that it will force drivers to lower their speeds. There will also be more law enforcement officers patrolling the area. However, not all locals are satisfied that this action is enough. Some have also called for crossing guards to further safeguard pedestrians.
Adjusting traffic lights
As part of Montreal’s Vision Zero plan, the city is upgrading around 2,300 traffic lights. The aim is to give pedestrians more time to cross and to hold back traffic for a longer period. On average, between 4 and 6 additional seconds are being added to all traffic lights in Montreal. Countdown timers are also being added as part of the plan.
Pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries are worryingly high in Montreal. Some positive steps are being taken to lower these, but it’s clear to see that more could be done. Hopefully, the work of groups like Piétons Québec will help in the fight to protect pedestrians.
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