Five pedestrians and cyclists hit by cars in 48 hours spark Burnaby RCMP warning
Burnaby RCMP are reminding the public to remember road safety during this time of year, after a recent series of motor vehicle incidents (MVIs) has resulted in several people being taken to the hospital.
The detachment announced on Wednesday, Nov. 13, that it has responded to five collisions involving cyclists, pedestrians or scooter riders over the past 48 hours.
Cpl. Mike Kalanj with the Burnaby RCMP said that the inclement weather plays a factor in accidents this time of year.
Burnaby RCMP
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“It’s dark and rainy in the morning. It’s dark and rainy in the evening. It’s dark and rainy at night. It’s even dark and rainy during the day sometimes,” said Kalanj in a release.
“Please be careful around our roadways.”
Three of the victims in the motor vehicle accidents were transported to the hospital, though police describe the injuries as minor.
Burnaby RCMP also added that most of the incidents took place with the pedestrian, cyclist or scooter rider being in a crosswalk or bike lane.
“With darkness and the inclement weather conditions, statistically speaking, we know that people die on our roadways this time of year,” Kalanj added.
“Every year around this time, we have to tell a family that their loved one is not coming home. We’re asking everyone on the road, pedestrians and drivers, to take the precautions necessary to keep each other safe.”
Burnaby RCMP
Burnaby RCMP listed several suggestions for pedestrians and drivers to help keep themselves and others safe on the road.
Pedestrians are encouraged to always use crosswalks, remove their headphones while crossing, make eye contact with drivers, and wear reflectors and bright clothing.
Drivers are urged to focus on the road and specifically look for pedestrians. They are also asked to reduce their speed and to prepare their vehicles for bad weather.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
Vancouver police issued a similar reminder to the public in September to use caution on the roads after several pedestrians were killed in MVIs.
In July, several serious collisions across Metro Vancouver over a single weekend left four people dead and closed major roads for hours.
The City of Vancouver has also given pedestrians a head start at some intersections as part of a road safety program.
Have you noticed an increase in reckless driving during the wet fall season? Do you think pedestrians, cyclists or scooter riders should take greater responsibility for their own safety on the roads? What role do you think a City or police play in road safety? Let us know in the comments or by emailing vancouver@dailyhive.com.