The high number of vehicle-pedestrians accidents in the Halifax area has prompted Halifax a city committee to seek an innovative solution — sending offenders back to school.
“Crosswalk school” is part of a proposal being put forward by Halifax’s crosswalk safety advisory committee.
In addition to paying a fine, the committee is proposing that drivers could face more demerit points or be re-examined for their driver’s license.
That is, unless driver — or pedestrian or cyclist — opts to go to the one-day educational session, then the fine would be withdrawn.
“Simply applying a fine or increasing fines doesn't necessarily change behavior,” said Jane Barlow, who heads up the committee.
Before crosswalk school can be come a reality, changes would have to be made to the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act.
On Tuesday, Halifax councillors will be asked to recommend that the mayor write to the province about the idea.
Crosswalk safety advocate Norm Collins is the person behind the implementation of orange flags at some Halifax crossings.
He is a believer in prevention and police enforcement, rather than a school for a few offenders.
“What about the other 400,000 people? That's who we have to get the message to when they are walking or driving,” said Collins.
The crosswalk safety advisory committee has made more than two dozen recommendations aimed at reducing the number of collisions, including an advertisement currently running on TV.
Barlow says these should have an impact — eventually.
“It will take a few years for all these recommendations to be implemented and to take effect,” she said.
With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kelland Sundahl
