Prince George RCMP is investigating a third serious pedestrian-involved motor vehicle incident this month, after two individuals were hit while trying to cross the Hart Highway on the weekend.
On Saturday, Nov. 27 just before 5 p.m. police received a report that a vehicle struck two pedestrians on the southbound lane of the Hart Highway, near Shady Lane.
Frontline police as well as the Municipal Traffic Service unit attended the location and spoke with the driver of the vehicle involved, who is cooperating with the investigation.
The two pedestrians, a male and a female, were transported to hospital for treatment of their injuries. One of the victims has since been transported to Vancouver for further assessment.
Police had a highway closed for several hours while they collected information from the area and spoke with witnesses.
“This is the second pedestrian involved collision in November on this stretch of highway, our third overall, and we want to remind the public that it is important to use marked cross walks when you are crossing the street. We also recommend carrying a flashlight or wearing reflective clothing when walking during our dark winter hours,” states Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for the Prince George RCMP.
On Nov. 3, a 63-year-old man later identified as Danial William Warner died after being struck by a pickup truck trying to cross First Avenue at Quebec Street.
Then on Nov. 4, another pedestrian, whose identity was not released, was killed trying to cross the Hart Highway between Houghtaling Road and Northwood Pulpmill Road. That accident scene was less than a kilometre from Saturday’s incident.
According to ICBC, nearly 55 per cent of the pedestrian fatalities happen between October and January, when road conditions deteriorate due to weather and there are fewer daylight hours. Most pedestrian accidents happen between 3 and 6 p.m. Each year, on average, 52 people die trying to walk or run across B.C. roads and 2,400 are injured when hit by motor vehicles.
Distracted driving and failing to yield to pedestrians are the most common contributing factors. Motorists are reminded to not use their phones while driving and pedestrians are advised to stay focused on where they are walking and be aware what is going on around them.
Three-quarters of pedestrian accidents happen in intersections. Drivers should be especially cautious when approaching vehicles stopped ahead of them and pay particular attention to watch for people crossing when making turns.
If you have any information about this or any other criminal offence, please contact the Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.northernbccrimestoppers.ca.
- with files from Ted Clarke, Prince George Citizen
