News release

Crosswalk Safety is a Shared Responsibility

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

As university students flood into the province and another school year starts, drivers and pedestrians are urged to pay attention around crosswalks and intersections.

"While crosswalk safety is important all year, we ask motorists and pedestrians to be extra vigilant at this busy time of the year," said Bill Estabrooks, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal.

"Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians must remember to share the road and look out for one another around crosswalks and intersections."

The province and Halifax Regional Municipality have teamed up to launch a crosswalk safety campaign this month. Radio, television, print and transit ads across the province will remind drivers and pedestrians that crosswalk safety is a shared responsibility.

"We all have a role to play in ensuring our crosswalks are safe for pedestrians. The return to school is an opportune time to remind people, whether they are on foot or behind the wheel, to take the appropriate precautions," said Mayor Peter Kelly.

The goals of the campaign are to remind drivers that the person in the crosswalk could be someone they care about and to encourage both drivers and pedestrians to use caution.

The province introduced amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act last June to help clarify the responsibilities of pedestrians and drivers when it comes to crosswalk safety.

Drivers should also be aware that fines for speeding in a school zone are double and four demerit points will be assigned to driver's records. The fines, range from about $452 to $1,452, including court costs.

For more information on crosswalk safety and to see the ads, visit the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran/ .