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The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance locating a missing man.

Victor Muise, 59, was last seen on Wednesday, September 28, 2011, at approximately 12:30 p.m., in the Gerrard Street East/Coxwell Avenue area.

He is described as aboriginal, 5'7", 165 lbs., with brown eyes and long brown ponytail. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweater, blue jeans and a white shirt.

Police are concerned for his safety.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook.

Pedestrian safety initiatives delivered by the Toronto Police Service are designed to promote cooperative safety strategies with members of our communities, using awareness, education and enforcement.

Collision analysis show that pedestrian fatalities represent approximately 50% of yearly traffic fatalities within the City of Toronto. To date, 15 pedestrians have lost their lives in the City of Toronto in 2011. Seniors are among the most vulnerable sector of road users, and are represented in six of the 15 pedestrian fatalities.

Daylight saving time will end this year on Sunday, November 6, 2011. Historically, this time period has shown an increase in severe collisions between pedestrians and motorists.

Rainy weather and darker conditions can lead to a decrease in visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. These environmental factors can increase the risk of injuries when poor walking or driving behaviours are routinely demonstrated.

Fall/Winter Pedestrian Safety

Walking outside in the fall season can be invigorating and refreshing, however, slick sidewalks/streets, as well as environmental factors may increase risk of injury for pedestrians if they don't take basic precautions.
Senior citizens are over-represented in pedestrian fatalities and injuries according to recent safety data. Seniors often get hit within a step or two from the curb or stepping out from behind a parked car, or by being caught out in traffic.

While motorists are at fault in many pedestrian collisions, statistics show pedestrians sometimes contribute to the collision by:

- not often choosing the safest places to cross,
- not paying attention to traffic,
- not being aware of the timing of traffic lights and pedestrian walk/don't walk signals,
- underestimating the time needed to cross safely.



To reduce injuries this fall and winter, practice these safe walking tips at all times:

- Wear reflective or bright-coloured clothing so motorists are better able to see you (dress children in reflective or bright-coloured clothes as well).

- Follow the directions of all traffic signs and signals.

- Be aware of your surroundings.

- If you must walk on the roadway, walk facing traffic and as close to the curb as possible.

- Hats or scarves that cover your ears can also distort or eliminate the sounds of approaching vehicles. Keep warm, but make sure that you can hear what's going on around you.

- On slippery surfaces, bend your knees a little and take slower steps to reduce your chances of falling. Wear gloves to avoid putting your hands in your pockets.

- Always make sure you have a clear view of all vehicles, and make yourself visible to the drivers.

- Be aware of traffic signals, but never completely rely on them. While in the crosswalk, pedestrians should continue to be alert of on-coming traffic at all times.

- Always use pedestrian crosswalks to cross the road. Do not cross diagonally or from between parked vehicles (mid-block). Since drivers are not expecting pedestrians to cross mid-block, risk of injury is much higher if you do so.

- Wait for a fresh traffic signal. Do not start crossing once the countdown or flashing hand begins.

- When possible, make eye contact with the drivers before beginning to cross the road. Drivers must be able to see you, in order to avoid you. Do not assume drivers can see you or that they are paying attention.

To learn more about the Toronto Police,Traffic Services Safety Program,
that aims to reduce pedestrian injury and death through education and awareness, Click here.

Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. Stay informed with what’s happening at:
Twitter, Facebook Fan Page, Facebook Group and on Blog.