WEDNESDAY night last week was a dangerous time for pedestrians in North Vancouver as three were struck by vehicles in separate incidents at marked crosswalks.
A driver hit a 14-year-old girl around 5 p.m. as she was making her way across Westview Drive at 19th Street. She suffered bruises and lost two of her front teeth in the collision.
Just half an hour later, a 21-year-old man suffered minor injuries when a left-turning vehicle hit him as he tried to cross at Chesterfield Avenue at Third Street.
Then at 6: 30 p.m., an almost identical incident occurred just a few blocks away at Lonsdale Avenue. The driver clipped the 27-yearold victim's knee, knocking him to the ground.
All of the drivers were issued warnings or tickets for failure to yield.
"These three pedestrians are all very fortunate they did not sustain more serious injuries," said Cpl. Richard De Jong, spokesman for the North Vancouver RCMP.
"Police once again are reminding all motorists and pedestrians to be extra vigilant this time of the year around crosswalks and intersections. The extra second one takes to be aware of their surroundings, can make the difference between life and death for someone."
Drivers should be vigilant at all crosswalks and intersections, come to a complete stop when a pedestrian is crossing, and never pass another vehicle that has stopped or is slowing down at a crosswalk.
Pedestrians should wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight if walking in the rain or at night, always cross at marked crosswalks or intersections, and obey all pedestrian signals.
