A Road Safety Message Ahead of Halloween

I want to echo the City of Ottawa's message today that all collisions on our roads are preventable.

This year alone, 32 residents have lost their lives in motor vehicle collisions across Ottawa. That is 32 families now grieving the loss of a loved one.

Just recently, a teenager was struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on Earl Armstrong Road. These preventable incidents are happening far too often, and we all have a responsibility to make our roads safer.

The Ottawa Police Service recently conducted an enforcement blitz in the south end, issuing 55 tickets for offences including stunt driving, distracted driving and impaired driving.

With Halloween approaching, road safety is especially important. Children and families will be walking throughout our neighbourhoods, often after dark when visibility is reduced.

I encourage drivers to slow down, watch carefully for trick-or-treaters and avoid unnecessary driving on Halloween evening. Parents can help by ensuring children wear bright colours, carry flashlights or use reflective tape.

We all have a role to play in keeping our community safe. Put your phone away, come to a complete stop at stop signs, and always check your surroundings before proceeding through an intersection.

No destination, errand or deadline is worth someone's life.