Provincial Crown counsel has approved charges under the Motor Vehicle Act against three people in relation to the string of collisions late last year that killed four pedestrians.
Nadia Pierrette Marie Brownson, 40, of Prince George, has been charged with driving without due care and attention and excessive speeding relative to conditions connected to an Oct. 5, 2014 incident on First Avenue near Dominion Street.
Her pickup struck two people crossing First at about 10:40 p.m. and one of them, Scotty Bryan, 36, of Vanderhoof, died later in hospital.
Four days later, Patricia Sims-McLelan, 50, and David Sakawsky, 49, were crossing Nicholson Street just before 7 a.m. when they were hit by a tractor-trailer making a left-hand turn from 22nd Street. Both died at the scene.
The vehicle's driver, Robert Vernon Johnson, 77, of Trail faces charges of driving without due care and attention and driving without reasonable consideration.
And Shaun Raymond Bockus, 35, of Prince George, has been charged with driving without due care and attention after his vehicle struck a 79-year-old woman during the evening of Dec. 16, 2014 as she was crossing Winnipeg Street between Ninth Avenue and 11th Avenue. The name of the woman, who died in hospital shortly afterwards, has not been made public.
Criminal justice branch spokesman Neil Mackenzie declined to comment specifically on the cases when asked why criminal charges are not being pursued.
But in general, he said the difference comes down to whether the driver's behaviour was a "marked departure from the standard of care of a reasonable driver, and the courts have said a "momentary lapse of attention" does not meet that definition.
"Even though a momentary lapse of attention can have tragic consequences, not every careless act is necessarily a criminal act," he said. "Death or injury in a motor vehicle accident is obviously tragic but not all tragic events are the result of criminal conduct."
A conviction for driving without due care and attention can result in a fine of up to $2,000 and six months in jail. A prohibition against driving for a period can also be imposed.
In releasing the names Wednesday, Prince George RCMP noted that all three incidents occurred when it was dark out.
The police urged walkers, runners, cyclists and drivers to take care to prevent another pedestrian fatality over the winter months, when there is fewer daylight hours.
"Once again, daylight hours are quickly diminishing and a driver's visibility is seriously compromised, particularly when it's raining and pedestrians are wearing dark clothing," Cpl. Craig Douglass said. "Twilight and sunrise are often the most difficult times for drivers to see because the sun is so low. Please stay safe when traveling on or near our roads."
Bockus made a first appearance in provincial court on Wednesday.
First appearances for Brownson and Johnson are scheduled for Nov. 18.
Here are some tips for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers to avoid someone getting hit by a vehicle as they cross the street this winter:
If you're a pedestrian:
Make eye contact with approaching drivers and/or cyclists;
Use designated crossing points and be sure all lanes of traffic have stopped before stepping out. Just because one driver stops does not mean that others will;
Obey traffic signals - only enter the intersection if the pedestrian signal is being displayed and it is safe for you to do so;
Walk on the left hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic closest to you;
Do not presume that drivers see you - wear bright and reflective clothing at night and early morning;
Leave your ear buds behind. Often we hear dangers before we see them;
Even if you have the right of way, take the extra time to ensure you are safe. Doing so may save your life.
If you're a driver:
Make eye contact with pedestrians;
Yield to pedestrians that are on the roadway;
Watch for pedestrians at intersections, especially when turning;
Expect the unexpected - a vehicle stopping in a lane beside you may be yielding to a pedestrian crossing the road;
Obey traffic signals;
Speed limits are maximums. Slow down in residential areas where children are known to play;
Slow down when approaching crowds or places where pedestrians are known to be.
If you're a cyclist:
Make eye contact with pedestrians and drivers;
Follow all rules of the road - bicycles are vehicles too;
Yield to pedestrians;
Don't ride on sidewalks - stay to the right hand side of the roadway or in designated lanes;
Have a bicycle bell on your bicycle to warn approaching pedestrians and other road users;
Ensure your bicycle is equipped with a working headlight and tail light. Turn them on before it gets dark and turn them off well after it gets light.
Source: Prince George RCMP
