Road Safety

Driving Safety

Motor vehicle collisions are one of the leading causes of injury and death in Middlesex-London. ¹ Driving is a difficult task that requires your full attention. Wear your seatbelt, drive according to the weather conditions, and share the road.

Distracted Driving

A moment of distraction is all it takes to change a life. In Ontario, holding your phone or other device while driving is against the law. Use a hands-free device or a mounted device. Remember -- buckle up, phone down, and slow down.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving behaviours include actions such as speeding, tailgating, improper lane change, failure to signal, and running amber or red lights. Check out the Ontario Ministry of Transportation for risks and penalties for aggressive driving as well as tips for practicing safe driving.

Impaired Driving

Driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol is illegal and dangerous to you, your passengers, and other road users. Check out the website of the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to learn about what counts as impaired driving, penalties, and tips on how to avoid driving impaired.

Winter Driving

Winter driving is challenging, but there are many ways to prepare for the weather so you can keep yourself and loved ones safe on the road. Consider putting on winter tires that provide better traction, handling and can shorten braking distances up to 25%. Useful tips for staying safe include keeping your fuel tank at least half full, having an ice-scraper in the car, using winter washer fluid, and putting together a survival kit to keep in your vehicle.²

School Zone Safety

Roadways around schools often fill up with cars as well as children walking and biking to and from school. Children can be unpredictable, requiring drivers to slow down and focus to keep all children safe. Put safety first as you travel through school zones.

Seat Belts

Wearing your seatbelt greatly increases your chance of survival in a car crash. During a crash, seatbelts limit the force on a person’s body and prevent injuries. Check out the Ontario Ministry of Transportation for further information regarding requirements, fines and penalties, as well as seatbelt safety tips.

Car Seat Safety

Motor vehicle collisions are the number one cause of injury-related deaths among children and youth. ³ A correctly installed car seat reduces the chance of a child being injured or killed in a crash. In Ontario, all drivers must make sure that children under the age of 16 wear a seatbelt and children under the age of eight are properly secured in the correct child car seat or booster seat. To find out more about car seat safety check out Parachute.

For information about local car seat supports visit London Health Sciences Centre Car Seat Education | LHSC (program is temporarily paused). The Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada also has certified technicians that may consult about car seat installation. Their find a tech map can be used to find a car seat technician close to you. A fee may apply.

Share the Road

Look out for cyclists and other road users -- slow down and only pass when it's safe to do so. Be respectful. Be courteous. Ensure you leave 1 metre (3 feet) when passing a cyclist. It’s the law!

For more information, please view the following resources:

Cycling Safety

Did you know that cycling injuries are easily prevented? Collisions involving bicycles are the most common type of transport collisions in Middlesex-London after motor vehicle collisions.⁶ Drivers and cyclists both need to be courteous when using the roads.

Check out the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s detailed handbook for rules and safety standards for cycling. This resource includes -- where to ride, road signs, laws, bike helmet fitting, and more.

The City of London has cycling maps and local cycling information, including -- learn to bike courses, bike parking and lockers, e-bike rules, as well as new cycling projects and improvements being made around the city.

Remember – be safe, be smart, and be seen!

Walking Safety

Resources