The City of Ottawa, Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa Public Health remind all road users to make safe choices. This is especially important with the end of daylight saving time, and the recent rise in serious collisions and road fatalities.
Road safety starts with you. Below are some tips for all road users. Visit the City’s road safety page for more:
If you’re behind the wheel: slow down and obey posted speed limits, avoid distractions, check your surroundings and never drive while impaired.
If you’re walking: cross only at intersections and marked crosswalks, wear bright or reflective clothing, look both ways before crossing and avoid distractions.
If you’re biking: ensure your bike is equipped with appropriate lights, wear bright or reflective clothing, signal your intentions and follow the rules of the road.
If you’re motorcycling: assume other drivers do not see you, avoid vehicle blind spots and use your horn if necessary.
November is also the height of deer-mating season. More than half of vehicle-deer collisions happen around this time of year. Remember to watch for wildlife, especially between dusk and dawn, use high beams when appropriate, slow down in poor weather and avoid distractions.
Road Safety Action Plan
Between 2023 and 2026, the City of Ottawa has invested $52.4 million in dedicated Road Safety Action Plan (RSAP) engineering and education initiatives, as well as $206.1 million through other City programs that contribute to road safety, for a combined investment of $258.5 million. We continue to make our roads and pathways safer, with an emphasis on protecting people who walk, cycle and use mobility aids. Some examples of these recent projects include:
Rebuilt the rural intersection at Victoria Street and Cartwright Road to improve safety
Improved pedestrian safety at Carling and Edgeworth avenues
Built a new roundabout at Milton and Navan roads
Rebuilt the intersection at Earl Armstrong and Spratt roads to add protected left turns
Improved cycling safety Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue
Installed permanent traffic-calming measures on Billberry Drive, Sherwood Drive and Centrepointe Drive
Upcoming events
Looking for ways to make yourself more visible? Join Safer Roads Ottawa for two upcoming Lights on Bikes events on Tuesday, November 3 and Thursday, November 5, where cyclists can pick up free bike lights and safety gear. Visit the events page for details.
By slowing down, staying alert and being visible, we can all do our part to make our streets safer.