Source: CTV BC
BRITISH COLUMBIA - One pedestrian was killed and six others were injured on Saturday night in a rash of motor vehicle collisions across Vancouver.
The most severe crash occurred around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, as a 77-year-old man and a 72-year-old woman were crossing Prior Street between Gore and Dunlevy Avenues.
They were struck by a vehicle heading eastbound on Prior. Each sustained multiple serious injuries.
The man later died in hospital, marking Vancouver's 14th traffic-related fatality of 2009.
The woman remains in hospital in critical but stable condition.
The driver is cooperating with police, and investigators do not believe alcohol or speed were factors in the crash.
"This appears to be nothing but a very sad and tragic collision," Const. Lindsey Houghton said.
Houghton said police typically see a spike in pedestrian collisions in November and December.
"This time of year creates the perfect storm for pedestrian-involved collisions," Houghton said.
Shorter daylight hours and rainy weather are factors, Houghton said, as are the increased number of people shopping and attending holiday parties.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact police at 604-717-3012.
Source: The Province
Saturday night dangerous for Vancouver pedestrians
BRITISH COLUMBIA - Seven pedestrians were struck by vehicles in Vancouver Saturday night, a day after police issued a safety warning.
In the most serious incident, a 65-year-old woman who was hit by a transit bus at Homer Street and West Pender at about 5:40 p.m. suffered serious injuries to her leg.
Vancouver police spokesman Const. Lindsey Houghton said the woman could possibly lose her limb as a result.
At the same time, a couple in their 70s were struck as they crossed the road at Prior Street and Dunlevy Avenue. The husband suffered fairly serious, albeit non-life-threatening, head injuries.
Four others suffered bumps and bruises after being hit in other incidents across the city, including at 49th Avenue and Elliott Street, and at Burrard and Burnaby streets.
Houghton said the accidents were the result of a combination of inclement weather, fewer daylight hours, heavy traffic and pedestrians wearing dark clothing.
On Friday, police issued a safety warning advising pedestrians and motorists to be extra cautious due to reduced driving and visibility conditions.
There have been eight fatal pedestrian accidents this year in Vancouver, slightly down from the same time in 2008.
Since 2005, 19 pedestrians have been killed in accidents during November and December, with an average of two per month.
Vehicles turning at intersections where pedestrians are crossing and pedestrians jay-walking are both common factors in accidents.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
1. Be visible — wear bright or light-coloured clothing, preferably with reflective material.
2. Focus your full attention on what’s happening on the roadway by removing your headphones and putting away your cell phone. Don’t let your umbrella obstruct your view.
3. Make eye contact with the drivers so that you both know you see each other. Don’t make the assumption that a driver has seen you even if you are in a crosswalk.
4. Use designated crossing points and follow pedestrian traffic sign and signals.
Tips for Drivers
1. Always yield to pedestrians at intersections
2. Be alert and scan left and right for pedestrians when you approach an intersection, especially if you are making a right or left turn.
3. Be prepared to stop. If a vehicle has stopped ahead of you or beside you, they may be yielding to a pedestrian.
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