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TORONTO – With the end of daylight savings time this weekend, it’s likely that the water cooler discussions next week will be focussed on how dark it is in the morning and on the commute home.  And, with the cooler temperatures, people often wear heavier and darker clothing making them hard to spot. Studies have shown more driver and pedestrian incidents occur when the clock is turned back an hour in the fall.

One way to help drivers and others see better is through street lighting.  That’s why the City of Toronto and Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited (“Toronto Hydro”) are reminding customers and residents how to report a broken street light.

It’s as easy as 1-2-3 – residents have three ways to report a street lighting problem:

  1. Call the Toronto Hydro hotline at 416-542-3195, 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week
  2. Online at torontohydro.com
  3. Call 311 Toronto for help in reporting to Toronto Hydro

With the season change, it’s more important than ever to be careful, here are some tips for pedestrians and drivers.

PEDESTRIANS

  • It’s darker in the late morning and early evening.  Recognize at this time of year, if you are wearing dark clothes, be extra cautious as drivers will have a harder time seeing.
  • Try to make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the curb. Just because you see the car doesn’t mean that the driver sees you.
  • Wait for vehicles to stop before crossing in front of them. Cars take longer to stop than you think.
  • Keep aware of traffic until you safely reach the other side.
  • Be predictable. Do not make decisions that place you in the path of oncoming traffic.
  • Cross at traffic signals, crosswalks and stop signs on busy roads.
  • Walk, don’t run, across intersections. Only cross when you have enough time to safely do so.
  • At pedestrian crossovers, push the button to activate the flashing yellow light and point to indicate your intention to cross.

DRIVERS

  • Weather conditions change this time of year.  Dry or wet leaves on the road can cause vehicles to slide and lose their ability to make sudden stops.
  • Ensure that headlights, brake lights, and signals are working.  Headlights should be turned on at dusk.
  • Avoid any distractions while driving like eating or using your phone.
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