Toronto police say the number of people who died in traffic collisions is on the decline thanks to improved awareness, increased enforcement and better emergency medical treatment.
Police said 35 people died in traffic accidents and collisions in the City of Toronto in 2011 – a 19 per cent decrease from the previous year.
"While such a significant decrease is very encouraging, people are still being killed in preventable roadway tragedies," a police press release said on Friday.
Police said that almost half of fatal traffic victims are pedestrians, adding that collisions are particularly unsafe for walkers, cyclists and those who ride motorcycles and do not have "the protective shell of a car."
According to police statistics, 35 people died as a result of traffic collisions in 2011.
Of last year's traffic fatalities:
- 10 were drivers
- three were passengers
- 18 were pedestrians
- two were cyclists
- two were motorcycle drivers.
The number is a notable drop from 2010, when 43 people were killed in traffic collisions. In 2009, 48 people were killed on Toronto roads, while 54 were killed in 2008.
The decrease in traffic fatalities is believed to be due primarily to an increase in public awareness and enforcement, as well as improvements in pre-hospital medical care.
Police also said on Friday that more people are wearing seatbelts and installing child-safety seats properly.
"We must continually remind ourselves that safe road use is a responsibility we all share as drivers, motorcyclists, bicycle riders, pedestrians and passengers," the police statement read.
