**** HRM Media Release
Strategic Road Safety Framework update
To provide residents with updates regarding the actions outlined in the Strategic Road Safety Framework, a new web page and online dashboard have been created.
Through the Strategic Road Safety Framework, the municipality is committed to the Towards Zero approach which is focused on moving closer towards zero fatalities and injuries for people using any mode of transportation. In 2018, Regional Council approved the goal of a 20 per cent reduction of fatal and injury collisions by 2023.
The Road Safety web page and online dashboard includes updated collision data and information about progress being made on a number of road safety initiatives to help achieve the municipality’s Towards Zero goals.
Some of the ongoing road safety initiatives include:
- Engineering improvements to help calm traffic
- Traffic control improvements to address accessible pedestrian signals, leading pedestrian intervals, and other areas of traffic control
- Speed display signs in strategic locations
- Neighbourhood speed limit reduction in strategic locations
In support of the Strategic Road Safety Framework, the 2020 Heads Up Halifax campaign has been expanded. Previously, the public awareness campaign ran for several months each year with a focus on crosswalk safety. The annual campaign, now running year-round, not only increases efforts to promote crosswalk safety but also encompasses the broader scope of road safety — and the importance of shared responsibility for everyone, whether you’re walking, driving, rolling or cycling.
This year, the Heads Up Halifax campaign will be delivered primarily through digital outreach — with information shared via halifax.ca, municipal social media accounts, and a network of digital screens located in transit terminals, recreation centres and other municipal facilities. Targeted print advertising will also be used.
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for #HeadsUpHalifax information including:
- safe practices on the road
- rules for crosswalks
- how to use new infrastructure such as two-stage bicycle turn boxes
- municipal efforts to improve road safety across the Halifax region (e. g. speed humps, curb extensions, rectangular rapid flashing beacons, protected bike lanes, curb ramps with tactile walking surface indicators, etc.)
Staff have developed specific, evidence-based action items that will transition the Strategic Road Safety Framework into the Strategic Road Safety Plan. The Road Safety Plan is expected to be presented to Regional Council in the late-summer or fall of 2020.
