As roads get busier, road safety comes first in Mississauga

As the weather warms up, more people are walking, cycling, using e-scooters and driving. With more activity on the roads, making safe choices matters more than ever. 

Mississauga’s Vision Zero approach has one clear goal: no loss of life on Mississauga roads. It focuses on safer streets, safer speeds and shared responsibility for everyone who uses the road.  

Serious collisions still happen. When they do, emergency crews are ready. That need drives behind-the-scenes training.  

Training for serious collisions 

Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES) regularly train for serious motor vehicle collisions because preparedness saves lives.  

Recent auto extrication training (the safe removal of people from damaged vehicles) put firefighters in a realistic, multi-vehicle collision scenario. These exercises reflect incidents that happen on busy roads and highways, especially during peak travel seasons. 

Crews practise how to: 

• Stabilise and secure vehicles to prevent movement and protect patients and emergency crews. 
• Control hazards such as fuel leaks, undeployed airbags and electrical systems. 
• Provide immediate care to injured occupants. 
• Remove people trapped inside damaged vehicles safely using different techniques. 

Depending on the situation, firefighters remove doors, entire sides of vehicles or roofs. In more complex situations, they may use “tunnelling.” This means reaching patients through the trunk when side access is limited. Each technique reduces risk and helps crews reach patients faster in unpredictable conditions. Responders work together under one command structure to keep operations safe and efficient.  

Built around prevention, backed by preparation 

Vision Zero and the City’s Transportation Master Plan focus on road design that helps prevent collisions and reduce their severity.  

As the City works toward its Vision Zero goals, this training helps responders act quickly and safely during serious crashes. It also protects the people involved and the crews on scene.  

The exercises help firefighters work together and use specialized equipment with confidence during real calls. The goal is always the same: reduce harm and support recovery when something goes wrong. 

A shared role in safer streets 

As roads get busier in spring and summer, residents play a direct role in preventing serious incidents. Driving at the speed limit, staying focused and watching for people walking, cycling or using e-scooters all help reduce risk. 

Road safety programs and initiatives, including Vision Zero, show the City’s commitment to preventing serious injuries before emergency crews are needed.  

Tags

• Emergency and Preparedness
• Public Safety
• Roads and Traffic