Public Service Announcement

Pedestrian safety campaign focuses on dangers of distraction  

Monday, March 4, 2013 - HRM and HRM Partners in Policing launched a pedestrian safety campaign today. The campaign, Distractions Kill, aims to bring awareness to drivers and pedestrians about the importance of being cautious, focused and attentive when driving and crossing the street.

In 2012, HRM saw an increase in pedestrian-vehicle collisions and the highest rate of pedestrian fatalities in five years. Texting, chatting, surfing the internet and listening to music on mobile devices are just some of the distractions for both pedestrians and drivers that lead to inattention. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the dangers of distraction in an effort to change the way people think and act, both when behind the wheel and on foot, when approaching a crosswalk.

The HRP/RCMP Integrated Traffic Unit will continue to focus on enforcement and providing traffic safety education in-person out on the roads, as well as on social media. For more information visit: www.facebook.com/HRPTrafficCop or www.twitter.com/HRPTrafficCop.

For more information on the campaign, please visit DistractionsKill.ca.

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Media contact:
Michaelyn Thompson
HRM Communications
490-5940