Pedestrian Traffic Signals
The alarming number of serious accidents in our City involving automobiles hitting pedestrians makes it important that both drivers and pedestrians not only know the rules, but make safety their first priority.
Section 144(22) of The Highway Traffic Act states: "Where portions of a roadway are marked for pedestrian use, no pedestrian shall cross the roadway except within a portion so marked." This means that where there is a nearby crosswalk, you cannot jaywalk. (Jaywalking is a slang word that is used to describe various pedestrian offences, including crossing against a red light or "don't walk" signal, crossing mid-block where a crosswalk exists, or failing to yield to vehicles when crossing the roadway. However, jaywalking is not a legally defined offence.)
However, where there is no crosswalk, it is legal to cross a road as long as you yield to approaching traffic. While pedestrians are obliged to yield, drivers must take all due care to avoid an accident.
Some intersections or crossings have pedestrian traffic signals that tell pedestrians when to cross or stop. These signals are there to ensure pedestrian safety, and must be obeyed.
- When the pedestrian signal says walk, pedestrians may cross the roadway in the direction indicated.
- When the pedestrian signal says don't walk, pedestrians must not cross the roadway.
Every pedestrian who is crossing lawfully as quickly as reasonably possible has the right of way even when the signal changes. This means that as long as you enter the roadway during the "walk" signal, you have the right of way until you complete the crossing.
Countdown timers have recently been installed at many pedestrian crossings. In Toronto, these devices provide a minimum of 7 seconds of walk time, and often much longer. The timing varies from crosswalk to crosswalk and by time of day. There should not be any intersections with less than 7 seconds of walk. If you encounter any location where the countdown begins at a number less than 7, please report it to the City's 311 operators immediately. The City will send a maintenance contractor to the site within four hours to correct the problem.
The reason we have laws and rules to control pedestrian crossings is to ensure that everyone, drivers and walkers alike, can get around Toronto safely. The roadways and thoroughfares belong to all of us. We share their benefits and we must all assume responsibility for their safety. Whether you are driving, biking or walking, stay alert and make safety your first priority.