Burnaby RCMP are looking for witnesses after the fifth pedestrian in recent weeks was hit on local roads.
RCMP say officers continue to investigate a serious collision that sent a 16-year-old to the hospital Monday after being hit by a vehicle just before noon at the intersection of Willingdon Avenue and Kitchener Street.
The teen pedestrian was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, say police, and the driver remained on scene and continues to cooperate with the investigation.
Police are asking that anyone who may have witnessed this collision or potentially have dash cam video in the area when the collision took place to please contact the Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999 or if you wish to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
This incident follows police urging drivers and pedestrians to be more careful after four pedestrians and one cyclist were hit in separate incidents all within just over 12 hours in mid-November.
“We need to be vigilant and anticipate others,” Burnaby RCMP media spokesperson Cpl. Brett Cunningham said in a news release. “The next time you come to an intersection, as a pedestrian or as a driver, stop and take the time to look around. Notice the pedestrian looking down with their headphones on. Notice the driver stopped at the light on their cellphone. Keep your eyes up and never assume others can see you. This may save a life.”
Tips for pedestrians and drivers:
Pedestrians:
- Wear bright clothing with reflective material that can be seen by drivers
- Always maintain eye contact with the driver approaching you
- Don’t assume you have the right of way and walk in the crosswalk; make sure it is safe
- Don’t wear head phones or wear your hoodie up so it affects your senses
- Use established crosswalks at lighted intersections when you can
Drivers:
- Be ready to yield to pedestrians attempting to cross the roadway
- Be focused on driving and put down your cell phone
- Always check twice when making turns and make eye contact with pedestrians before moving forward
- Be proactive in anticipating what other drivers and pedestrians are going to do
- Give yourself extra time to and assume it is going to be slippery
- With files from Cornelia Naylor
