Edmonton Launches Campaign to Reduce Collisions with LRT
The city of Edmonton has recently launched a new campaign aimed at reducing collisions with the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. This initiative comes after a series of incidents involving vehicles and pedestrians on the LRT tracks.
According to statistics from the City of Edmonton, there were 42 collisions involving the LRT in 2019, with 11 of them resulting in injuries. This is a concerning trend that the city hopes to address through this campaign.
The campaign, titled “Stay Safe, Stay Alert,” focuses on educating the public about the importance of being aware of their surroundings when near LRT tracks. It also emphasizes the need for drivers to follow traffic signals and laws when crossing the tracks.
One of the key messages of the campaign is to remind drivers that the LRT has the right of way at all times. This means that drivers must yield to the LRT, even if they have a green light. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences, not only for the driver but also for the passengers on the LRT.
In addition to educating the public, the city has also implemented physical changes to improve safety around LRT tracks. This includes installing new signage and signals, as well as adding barriers and gates at certain intersections.
The campaign has received positive feedback from both city officials and the public. Mayor Don Iveson stated, “We all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of our citizens, and this campaign is an important step in achieving that goal.”
The city is also working closely with the Edmonton Police Service to enforce traffic laws around LRT tracks. This includes issuing fines to drivers who fail to yield to the LRT or disobey traffic signals.
The “Stay Safe, Stay Alert” campaign will continue to run throughout the year, with the hope of reducing the number of collisions involving the LRT. The city urges all residents to take the necessary precautions and be vigilant when near LRT tracks to ensure the safety of themselves and others.
In conclusion, the city of Edmonton is taking proactive measures to address the issue of collisions with the LRT. Through education, physical changes, and enforcement, they hope to make the LRT system safer for everyone. It is the responsibility of all citizens to follow traffic laws and be aware of their surroundings when near LRT tracks. Let us all work together to make Edmonton a safer place for everyone.
