DriveSmartBC

Road Watch is a program born in sadness. On Mother's Day, May 9, 1993, a multi-vehicle collision occurred in Caledon, resulting in the tragic death of eight young people. This horrific taking of lives mobilized the community to action. From this concern a S.A.F.E. (Stop Automotive Fatalities Everywhere) committee was formed and the ROAD WATCH program of Awareness, Education and Enforcement of road safety was developed.

Initially there was a process available at the local police station for participants to report aggressive drivers, but it needed to be reinforced and marketed more effectively. It was agreed to give a name to the process, thereby encouraging citizens involvement and raising public awareness about the reporting system. More local ownership from the citizens would improve the reporting and it would become more widespread. So on January 18, 1995 ROAD WATCH was launched.

The ROAD WATCH program was advertised by the use of road signs, static window stickers and letterhead and information brochures. The logo was also put on all of the Town of Caledon Public Work vehicles and police cruisers. Some communities have the logo on all of their municipal vehicles, including fire trucks. This shows support and participation of the program and keeps it in the public eye.

The ROAD WATCH sign is a warning to drivers on our roads that local citizens will not tolerate aggressive driving. The strength in this program lies with citizen involvement, as driver habits and attitudes cannot be altered by traffic enforcement officers alone.

When successful, we will celebrate having made our roads safer for all. ROAD WATCH is successful when drivers take care to make responsible decisions behind the wheel and the community's stance on road safety is widely known and respected.

Executive Summary

The ROAD WATCH Canada program is a not-for-profit organization. ROAD WATCH Canada’s goal is to be the starting point for all internet inquiries as well as on-line reporting throughout the provinces. Our services include how to start up a ROAD WATCH program in the community; road safety awareness through education and fund raising techniques.

Objectives

This initiative is designed to create a network and umbrella for all the ROAD WATCH programs.

• Establish a network of volunteers across the provinces
• Establish a ROAD WATCH presence in all major towns and cities
• Raise awareness of the “program and how easily you can help”

How it works

People Action

The ROAD WATCH program is a community based initiative that deals with the high number of vehicle collisions and unsafe driving practices that occur in our communities. Community members and motorists are asked to complete a Citizen Report form when they observe a motorist demonstrating unsafe driving behaviour. These forms are signed and filled out as completely as possible. The signed forms help safeguard the system against abuse. The forms are held in the strictest of confidence by the police services. The program gives residents an opportunity to participate and report aggressive and unsafe driving. It is our objective to make our roads safe for everyone.

Police Action

The completed forms are dropped off at a secure drop off box that are conveniently located throughout the community. The forms are collected on a regular basis and given to the police who verify them for accuracy and a letter is sent to the registered vehicle owner explaining that their vehicle was observed being operated in an unsafe manner. Some communities have taken the next step and implemented the “on-line reporting” system to make reporting aggressive driving much more convenient.

Link:

Visit the Road Watch web site and learn how to start your own group.