An increase in collisions involving pedestrians in British Columbia, including the Okanagan, has RCMP warning pedestrians and motorists to be extra careful.
“We have received numerous reports recently of collisions with pedestrians,” said Kelowna RCMP Sgt. Laura Pollock.
Last Monday evening, a woman was struck and killed in the 3600 block of Highway 97 near Reid’s Corner in Kelowna.
Tuesday evening, a person was struck along Harvey Avenue near downtown. They are not believed to have been seriously injured.
Last Friday evening, a young woman was struck on a pedestrian crossing near the Delta Grand Hotel.
According to online fundraising GoFundMeshe suffered severe head trauma.
And on Dec. 10, the head coach of the Okanagan Sun football team was injured and required surgery after being hit by a car while in a crosswalk in the Glenmore area.
“It could be the weather,” Pollock said. “We have seen this change. We have fog, rain, snow and these collisions seem to happen in the dark, so during those periods of darkness where visibility is more limited.
The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) has confirmed that 42 per cent of all pedestrian accidents in the province occur between October and January, with December being particularly bad.
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“We see about 338 accidents involving pedestrians in the month of December alone,” said Karen Klein, ICBC safety coordinator.
The Crown corporation is urging people to take steps to avoid becoming a victim, saying being visible is essential.
“It’s really important to wear something reflective, whether that’s hanging a reflector on your jacket, walking with a flashlight, or even using the backlight on your phone,” Klein said. “All these little things will make you more visible to drivers.”
ICBC also recommends always using caution at intersections, as 80% of accidents involving pedestrians occur in and around intersections.
He added that one should always use crosswalks and not jaywalk, make eye contact with drivers and remove headphones.
And there’s one more tip police say is essential.
“Don’t text and walk,” Pollock said. “Texting, walking, and not paying attention to your surroundings can also play a role.”
Drivers are also encouraged to slow down and carefully scan the road to increase everyone’s safety.
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