Road Safety

Road safety is everyone's responsibility  — whether you're walking, cycling, rolling or driving.

Emphasis Areas from HRM's Strategic Road Safety Framework

Through the Strategic Road Safety Framework, the municipality is committed to the Towards Zero approach which is focused on moving closer towards zero fatalities and injuries for people using any mode of transportation. In 2018, Regional Council approved the goal of a 20 percent reduction of fatal and injury collisions by 2023. 

The Framework prioritizes seven emphasis areas to focus resources to have the greatest impact in reducing fatalities and injuries. These emphasis areas will be addressed through engineering, enforcement, and education. Collision data will be used to identify site specific locations for engineering countermeasures and to identify topics and target audiences for education and enforcement campaigns. 

Road Safety Dashboard

The Road Safety Dashboard offers a comprehensive overview of annual collision data from 2018 to present day. 

Learn about the progress the municipality is making to improve road safety in the Halifax region.

Collision details are also available on the Open Data Catalogue

Ongoing Road Safety Initiatives 

HRM is implementing a number of road safety initiatives throughout the municipality to achieve our vision and goal. Engineering improvements are initiated through day-to-day traffic management operations, routine capital construction projects, as well as following in-service safety reviews.

Click below to learn more about our ongoing safety initiatives:

SAFE PRACTICES ON THE ROAD

  • Obey the speed limit. 
  • Always wear a seat belt.
  • Whether you're walking, cycling, rolling, or driving, avoid all distractions while travelling. Distractions put all road users at risk.
  • You must stop whenever you approach a stopped school bus with its upper alternating red lights flashing, regardless of whether you are behind the bus or approaching it from the front. 
  • Be prepared to stop for a school bus at any time, not just within school hours. 
  • Reduce your speed when entering a school zone. Follow the school zone speed limit anytime children are present, not just during school hours. 
  • Never drive impaired. Always plan ahead. Have a designated driver, take public transportation or stayover. If you see an impaired driver, call 911.
  • Slow down in construction zones and follow signs from the crew. Keep road crews safe by paying attention to sign flaggers and by keeping your distance from workers and equipment. Always be prepared to stop suddenly when driving through construction zones.
  • When cycling wear bright colors and give other commuters a greater chance of seeing you. Motorists always do a triple check for cyclists when turning, especially when turning right.
  • Driving requires your full attention. Always be extra alert when approaching a crosswalk.

TIPS ON HOW TO USE OUR NEW INFRASTRUCTURE 

  • Traffic calming helps to slow motorists using physical measures including speed humps, speed tables, curb extensions, mini traffic circles, on-street parking, raised median islands, and raised intersections and crosswalks. 

  • The municipality continues to improve curb ramps by including Tactile Walking Surface Indicators, which provide wayfinding cues on sidewalks for people with visual impairments.

  • Bump-outs improve road safety by reducing the pedestrian crossing distance and improving visibility between pedestrians and motorists. 

  • Fluorescent reflective strips improve visibility at crosswalks, particularly during nighttime conditions. These strips have been installed on all basic, side-mounted crosswalk signs – more than 350 crosswalk locations across the municipality

  • A Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) uses LED lights that flash with high-frequency when activated, increasing visibility at uncontrolled, marked crosswalks. 

  • When boarding or exiting a Halifax Transit bus along the South Park Street bike lane, use the shared lane. If you are cycling, stop behind the white markings and yield to those using the bus stop. 

  • The South Park Street bike lanes feature a two-stage bicycle turn box. If you are cycling, enter the turn box on a green light and wait. On the green light for the cross street, travel through the intersection.  

 

    News Releases, Reports, and Minutes

    News Releases
    Reports
    Road Safety Steering Committee Meeting Minutes