October 20 to 26, 2024 – Canadian Youth Road Safety Week
This years’ focus is to encompass all youth road users, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists and transit users, with the goal of empowering youth ages 15 to 24 to become more involved in road safety issues, to create and support road systems in our communities that are safe and equitable.
Road crashes are the third-leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 24 in Canada, making youth some of the most vulnerable on our roads.
Factors that make roads safer and proven measures to protect young people
Safe speeds
Speed is a factor in around a quarter of fatal crashes. A pedestrian hit at 50 km/h is six times more likely to die than if hit at 30 km/h.
• Keeping speeds at 30 km/h in areas where people walk, cycle and play.
• Traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, roundabouts and road narrowing to ensure that speeds remain low.
Active transport
Walking, cycling and scooting are great ways to boost our health and reduce emissions – but we need to be able to do it safely. Youth are more likely to choose active transport when roads are built to keep them safe.
• Separated bike lanes reduce injuries and deaths by up to 90 per cent.
• Pedestrian pathways and transit connections make active travel an easy choice.
Public transit access
Cars and trucks produce 53 per cent of Canada’s transport emissions – public transit can help change that. Forty per cent of low-income residents on big cities lack access to jobs, healthcare and more. For rural and northern areas, this is an even bigger challenge.
• Expanding transit options to make travel safer and more equitable for youth.
• More transit means fewer collisions, less pollution and greater access for all.
Impaired driving
Impaired driving remains one of the leading causes of preventable crashes.
• Harm reduction methods such as designated drivers, rideshare access and public transit can prevent impaired driving.
• Youth can raise awareness of these strategies and encourage their peers to choose safe options.