Campaign promotes pedestrian safety

You're never too old to learn how to cross the street.
That's the message two Meadowvale mothers hope pedestrians will take to heart, as the City's Safe Driving Committee yesterday launched an educational campaign to promote pedestrian safety in Mississauga.
Citizen volunteers Heather Relf and Mubina Rahim, who participated in the committee meetings over the summer, said they were motivated into taking action after reading about the inordinate number of accidents involving pedestrians in the city.
“We're both mothers whose kids walk to school and I am always concerned for their safety,” Rahim said. “I thought it would be great if we're able to educate pedestrians. I wanted to be a part of this campaign because I want all the kids to be aware of their surroundings and be able to follow the basic safety rules.”
Peel Regional Police say there have been 10 deaths on Mississauga roads so far this year, of which five involved pedestrian fatalities. In 2007, seven pedestrians died.
“Our goal is to see those statistics decrease significantly in 2008,” said Ward 10 Councillor and member of the Safe Driving Committee, Sue McFadden. “The safety of our residents and visitors is our number one priority, and we will continue to work hard to put proactive programs such as this in place.”
The $25,000 campaign includes seven large banners each with a three-step reminder for pedestrians — students, older adults, transit riders and others — to make eye contact with drivers, to listen to the surroundings, and to look left-right-left before stepping off the curb.
The pedestrian safety program included members of Peel Police working alongside volunteers in the development of the campaign.
“Road safety is of significant importance and, as such, we actively participate with the Mississauga Safe Driver Committee,” said Maggie Bryant, acting staff sergeant of traffic services.
For more information www.mississauga.ca/pedestriansafety.

rpanjwani@mississauga.net