Second pedestrian struck in a week
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Updated: January 22, 2010 8:56 AM
Police are calling for drivers and pedestrians to be more cautious around crosswalks following the second incident in a three-day span.
On Wednesday night a 10-year-old girl was injured when she was struck in a crosswalk in the 1800-block of Sixth Avenue. This came just two days after an elderly woman suffered fatal injuries when she was struck in a crosswalk at Eighth Avenue and 20th Street.
"New Westminster Police traffic section officers and general duty patrol officers have increased enforcement at crosswalks and intersections," said Sgt. Gary Weishaar in a press release, regarding the police response.
He advised drivers to take extra care in intersections and marked crosswalks, and cautioned pedestrians to remember that motorists may have difficulty seeing them, particularly if it is dark, raining or overcast.
"Pedestrians do have the right of way at intersections and crosswalks, however, make eye contact with motorists to confirm that they do indeed see you," Weishaar said.
After Wednesday's incident, police fined a 21-year-old Ontario woman for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
The woman had been driving east on Sixth Avenue around 6 p.m. when she struck the girl. The driver reportedly spotted the girl at the last moment and slammed on her brakes.
The girl was taken to Royal Columbian Hospital with minor injuries and later released.
