In 2016, the City of Toronto introduced its Vision Zero strategy, a sustained effort to reduce traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. The city had reported 78 traffic-related deaths the year before.
City ramps up projects aimed at slowing drivers down
Since then, Toronto has installed advanced pedestrian signaling and increased the use of automated speed cameras. It has rebuilt intersections and added more protected intersections and bike lanes. Those changes have made a difference, though not as much as was hoped.
According to Toronto police, there have been 30 traffic-related deaths so far this year. As of September 2, 12 pedestrians, eight motorists, six cyclists, and four motorcyclists have died on Toronto roadways. There were 25 road fatalities during the same period in 2023.
Trending in the wrong direction
Safety advocates have said the city needs to increase the pace of its work.
"There are things the city can be doing to eliminate these deaths, and unfortunately, we're not doing them nearly fast enough," said Michael Longfield, executive director of the advocacy organization Cycle Toronto. He noted that 2024 has been the deadliest year for cyclists since Vision Zero was implemented.
According to the Vision Zero Dashboard, since 2016, the city has installed:
- 1,123 Community Safety Zones (designated stretches of roadway marked with community safety zone signs allowing the doubling of fines associated with speeding)
- 572 School Safety Zones (designated stretches of roadway that include school safety zone signs, watch your speed signs, improved pavement markings, and flashing beacons)
- 207 Traffic Signals & Pedestrian Crossovers (designated crossings for pedestrians equipped with overhead yellow lights and side-mounted flashers)
- 1,387 Pedestrian Head Start Signals (traffic signal features that provide pedestrians with the opportunity to begin crossing the street before vehicles are permitted to proceed)
- 296 Red Light Cameras (a camera that captures an image of a vehicle that has entered an intersection after ignoring a red light)
- 515 Accessible Pedestrian Signals (advise pedestrians who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind when they have the right-of-way to cross at an intersection)
- 64 Senior Safety Zones (designated stretches of roadway that include senior safety zone signs, increased crossing times, and improved pavement markings)
Sheyda Saneinejad, who manages the projects, said this year's Vision Zero Road Safety Plan budget was $79 million—the largest so far. She noted that fatal collisions have generally been declining since 2016 and couldn't speculate on why fatalities are up this year. But she said the city recognizes the urgency, and the pace of work is picking up.
Toronto car accident lawyers who aren't afraid to fight
The increase in traffic fatalities across Toronto highlights just how unpredictable and dangerous the roads can be for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. This makes having the right legal representation after an accident more important than ever.
A car accident can change your life in just seconds. You are left with serious injuries and need treatment. Medical bills can add up fast, and you may be unable to work, resulting in lost income. However, recovering financial compensation can be a complicated process.
The negligent driver who caused the accident may deny doing anything wrong. The insurance company may question the seriousness of your injuries or argue they were pre-existing. Or they'll offer you a settlement far short of covering the damages you suffered.
That's why you need an experienced Toronto car accident lawyer. At Smitiuch Injury Law, we understand how a serious injury can impact your life. We build strong cases and fight for the maximum compensation our clients deserve.
If you were injured in Toronto, Brantford, or Simcoe, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
