Delta Police are encouraging pedestrians and drivers to take precautions in darker, rainy weather after two pedestrians were struck within a 24-hour period in North Delta.
On September 22 a pedestrian was struck while in the crosswalk at 116th Street and 80th Ave at approximately 8:30 pm. The driver was travelling at slow speed, turning the corner, and the pedestrian received only minor injuries. In this instance the pedestrian was apparently wearing dark clothing.
On September 23 around 9:15 am police were called to the scene after a pedestrian was struck around 116th St. and 94th Avenue. While there is a pedestrian light at this intersection, it was not activated, according to witnesses.
“Unfortunately the pedestrian in this collision suffered more serious injuries, and was taken to hospital,” says Cris Leykauf, spokesperson for Delta Police. “It’s troubling to have two pedestrian collisions within so short a time period.
We hope this will serve as a reminder for both drivers and pedestrians to take precautions; the change in weather from just a few short weeks ago definitely seems to be influencing what officers are seeing on the roads.”
Delta Police have the following advice:
Drivers:
Focus on the road
Be ready to yield to pedestrians, especially in intersections
Be aware of what other drivers are doing. If a vehicle is stopped in front of you or beside you, they may be yielding for a pedestrian
At night when it’s raining and you’re turning through an intersection with a crosswalk, roll down your window to increase the chances of seeing a pedestrian
Pedestrians:
Be aware at intersections. Watch for drivers turning – drivers may be focused on oncoming traffic and not see you
Don’t jaywalk
Make eye contact with drivers. Never assume that a driver has seen you
Remove your headphones and don’t look down at your phone while crossing the road
Be as reflective as possible – All three District Community Police Offices have free reflective zipper attachments.