Are you looking at me? Municipality launches new crosswalk safety campaign

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Thursday, Nov.10, 2016 (Halifax, NS) – The Halifax Regional Municipality is once again reminding residents of the importance of crosswalk safety and making eye contact with its latest campaign “Stop and Lock”, which launched this month in advance of Crosswalk Safety Awareness Day, Nov. 15.

The campaign, which features bus boards, print ads and digital elements, will be highly visible over the next two months help remind cyclists, motorists and pedestrians of the importance of stopping to make eye contact prior to entering a crosswalk. It’s just one example of how making a small change to behaviours and habits can make a big difference in creating safer communities for everyone.

On Crosswalk Safety Awareness Day, Nov. 15, the municipality will launch a contest in which residents can win gift cards by sharing their tips and personal stories of crosswalk safety on social media using the hashtags #headsuphalifax and #contest. In addition, morning commuters travelling through Alderney Landing will be able to witness local artist Christian Toth create a painting in real time where he will interpret the “Stop and Lock” crosswalk safety call to action.

“The education campaign is an important part of our overall Pedestrian Safety Action Plan along with engineering, enforcement and evaluation,” said Bruce Zvaniga, Director of Transportation and Public Works. “People need to remember that we all share our streets and that the unexpected can happen. If we all watch out for each other and practice safe habits at crosswalks, we can make a real difference by avoiding collisions.”

For more information on Crosswalk Safety Awareness Day and Heads up Halifax, visit www.halifax.ca/headsuphalifax.

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