York Region advances road safety during Canada’s Road Safety Week

May 14, 2026
York Region, York Region Paramedic Services, York Regional Police and traffic safety partners with the new speed feedback board near Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy

As part of Canada’s Road Safety Week, York Regional Police, York Region Paramedic Services, York Region staff and traffic safety partners came together to hold a road safety event showcasing a new speed feedback board on Bayview Avenue at Crosby Avenue in the City of Richmond Hill, near Our Lady Queen of the World Catholic Academy. The new speed feedback board will help protect our vulnerable road users and reduce speeding near the school.

Drivers are reminded to follow posted signage and watch carefully for pedestrians and cyclists, while pedestrians are encouraged to use push buttons to activate walk signals and allow enough time to cross safely. Everyone has a role in creating safer intersections and roads.

Celebrating Canada’s Road Safety Week

From May 12 to 18, 2026, York Region is shining a spotlight on road safety during Canada’s Road Safety Week, highlighting new and ongoing initiatives aimed at reducing severe collisions and protecting our most vulnerable road users. Led nationally by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and the CACP’s Traffic Safety Committee, Canada’s Road Safety Week is an enforcement-driven initiative that raises awareness about dangerous driving behaviours and encourages safer choices for all road users.

Road safety remains a top priority for York Region. In York Region, more than 90% of pedestrian collisions and 85% of cyclist collisions result in injury or death, and over 70% occur at signalized intersections. Approximately half of these collisions involve turning vehicles, reinforcing the need for targeted, evidence-based safety measures.

Reducing Serious Collisions With the Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan

Through York Region’s Vision Zero Traveller Safety Plan, the Region continues to implement safety measures to work towards its goal of reducing serious collisions (those involving injury or death) by 10% over five years.

A key measure supporting intersection safety is York Region’s No Right on Red program, which reduces conflicts between motorists, pedestrians and cyclists at high-risk intersections. In 2024, York Region completed a pilot at Islington Avenue and Langstaff Road in the City of Vaughan, installing a digital no right on red sign, the first regulatory LED sign of its kind compliant with Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. Results showed improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists, enhanced visibility for drivers, reduced queue lengths and delays and over 99% compliance.

Over the coming years, York Region will replace more than 50 static signs with digital signs and introduce new locations at high-volume pedestrian areas, school zones, dual left turn intersections and existing No Right on Red sites. Starting this summer and building on the success of the pilot, York Region is upgrading seven intersections and replacing static signs with new digital signs in the City of Markham.  

Slow Down to Save Lives

Aggressive driving, including speeding, accounts for about 50% of severe collisions on Regional roads. Through its Traveller Safety Plan and Slow Down Campaign, York Region is also implementing a range of safety measures at priority locations, including:

  • “SLOW DOWN” pavement markings in community safety zones
  • Protected left-turn signals and No Right on Red restrictions at key intersections
  • Red light cameras
  • Speed feedback boards in school zones and other priority locations
  • Revised speed limits in growing communities

By working together and investing in proven, data-driven safety measures, York Region and its partners are taking meaningful steps to make roads safer for everyone. As Canada’s Road Safety Week highlights, small actions like slowing down, following signals and staying alert can save lives. York Region remains committed to building safer, more connected communities where all road users can travel with confidence.

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