Snow, sleet, ice, and slush are just some of the things that make getting place-to-place more difficult, especially for people with disabilities.
Durham Region is offering the following tips to all roadway users to improve safety.
For drivers:
- Pay special attention to crosswalks and the sidewalks leading to the intersection when you approach, even if you have a green light.
- Reduce your speed. According to Parachute Canada, a pedestrian struck by a car travelling at 50 kilometres per hour is at least five times more likely to be killed than a pedestrian struck at 30 kilometres per hour.
- Ensure your full headlight system is turned on.
- Double-check for pedestrians and cyclists when turning left or right.
For pedestrians:
- Always cross at an intersection where there is a traffic control device, such as a traffic control signal, stop sign or pedestrian crossover.
- Be sure that drivers see you by making eye contact with motorists before attempting to cross a road, and by wearing brightly-coloured and/or reflective clothing.
- Do not wear headphones or use your phone or other devices when crossing the road.
- Be careful, wait to cross until traffic has come to a complete stop.
For cyclists:
- Obey all traffic laws and responsibilities as a driver.
- Turn on headlamps and taillights at least 30 minutes before sunset.
- Be visible by ensuring you have reflective gear and clothing.
- Be alert and do not wear headphones when riding.
People with disabilities
Here are 5 ways from Town of Ajax for people with disabilities to be prepared this winter:
Have a Home Emergency Kit ready: In the case of winter storms, it’s important to be prepared for the worse. Stock basic commodities and necessities like bottled water, canned food, socks, blankets, hats, gloves, and fully-charged batteries, including an extra charged battery for any mobility device, should you lose electricity or be unable to make it to the store.
Install snow tires on mobility devices: You thought snow tires were just for cars? Well, there are specially-designed snow tires that can be put on wheelchairs and scooters too. These are pneumatic tires made out of soft rubber that enables them easily grip snow to avoid sliding or getting stuck.
Help keep sidewalks clear: Certainly, walking through several inches of snow can be difficult, so imagine how much more difficult it would be if you were using a mobility device or stroller on a snowy sidewalk. Please help keep the sidewalks and ends of your neighborhood’s driveways clear to enable safe navigation for people. A reminder that property owners are required to remove ice and snow from the sidewalk surrounding your home and property, within 24 hours of a snowfall.
Snow removal for seniors and qualified residents: Did you know that the Town of Ajax offers a snow removal assistance program for those who are 65 years or older, or unable to shovel due to disability as indicated by a doctor’s note? For more information and pricing, or to apply for the program, For more information and pricing, or to apply for the program, download the 2019-2020 Snow Removal Program Application Form or contact Operations & Environmental Services at 905-683-2951, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Keep service animals safe too: If you often use a four-legged friend to help you navigate around, don’t forget their safety too! Remember, animals can get frostbite or suffer from hypothermia too. A coat, blanket and/or animal boots can help a lot when the cold becomes too unbearable. And salt from roads and sidewalks can cause harm to animals’ paws. When coming home from a walk, remember to brush off the bottoms of your animals paws, or try preventative protection such as boots or paw balm.
Preparing your vehicle for #WinterDriving is essential to staying safe. Here are expert tips from #OPP officer Kerry Schmidt @OPP_HSD pic.twitter.com/Q6YtK1Fs9e
— Ontario Provincial Police (@OPP_News) December 17, 2020