My Alerts Montréal, November 12, 2012 – From November 12 to December 7, 2012, the Société de transport de Montréal (STM) will initiate its semestrial public awareness campaign on pedestrian safety. A special intervention unit will be on site on weekdays at these locations: McGill, Rosemont, Snowdon métro stations and at Fairview, Angrignon, Henri-Bourassa and Honoré-Beaugrand terminus stations to remind the public to be vigilant and avoid unnecessary risks.
For many people, taking the bus is part of their normal routine. Even when in a hurry, safety rules should not be ignored. Being negligent, inattentive or distracted are the main causes of accidents, regardless of the degree of injury. Through this campaign, the STM hopes essentially to raise public awareness on the three following practices:
Use pedestrian crossings
- Crosswalks marked with yellow stripes are found where there are no traffic lights or stop signs. Pedestrians have the right of way over vehicles. However, it is recommended to establish eye contact with motorists before crossing the street.
- Crosswalks with white stripes are located where traffic lights or stop signs can be found. Priority is determined according to signage. Pedestrians and motorists must therefore cooperate.
Don’t run to catch the bus
Bus drivers greet passengers boarding from bus stops. When the doors close, buses continue along their routes. It’s prudent and wise to be on time at your stop by looking up the schedule in advance!
Establish eye contact
It is the best way to make sure to be seen by the driver. A bus is a heavy vehicle with many blind spots, it is therefore very important to be vigilant. The driver looks out for passenger safety but you also share part of the responsibility.
Finally, the STM invites parents to inform their children about safe practices to adopt when they are crossing the street. Also, the STM wishes to remind motorists to be vigilant around bus terminus areas and métro stations.
– 30 –
