Police are issuing a safety warning to drivers and pedestrians after more than a dozen people were struck by vehicles in a single day, including one senior who later died.
By noon on Thursday, 10 pedestrians had been hit by vehicles on Toronto roads, with more collisions occurring in the evening hours. Seven were struck in one hour alone.
One pedestrian, a 63-year-old woman who was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross mid-block in midtown Toronto, died from her injuries after being rushed to the hospital. Another incident in Scarborough is being investigated as a hit-and-run.
A 15-year-old boy remained in hospital in life-threatening condition on Friday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle in the city’s east end.
It appears the rainy weather and fewer daylight hours made for dangerous road conditions.
Const. Clint Stibbe called the pedestrian fatality a “needless tragedy” as he urged members of the public to be cautious while driving and walking outdoors.
While rainy weather isn’t helping, it’s not the main factor, says Stibbe. Human error and bad judgment are also to blame.
“Too many people are taking chances, the drivers are making improper turns,” Stibbe said.
To date, 65 people have died in traffic-related fatalities this year, nearing a grim record set in 2004.
“Unfortunately, at the rate we’re going at right now, we’re likely to see fatality numbers up and around the mid-70 range,” Stibbe said.
In a news release, police issued safe walking tips for pedestrians:
- follow the directions of all traffic signs and signals
- be aware of your surroundings, make sure that you can hear what's going on around you
- wear reflective or bright-coloured clothing, when possible, to increase your visibility to other road-users (dress children in reflective or bright-coloured clothes where possible as well)
- always make sure you have a clear view of all vehicles, and make yourself visible to the drivers
- be aware of traffic signals, but never completely rely on them. While in the crosswalk, pedestrians should continue to be alert to oncoming traffic at all times
- always use pedestrian crosswalks to cross the road. Do not cross diagonally or from between parked vehicles (mid-block). Since drivers are not expecting pedestrians to cross mid-block, risk of injury is much higher if you do so
- wait for a fresh traffic signal. Do not start crossing once the countdown or flashing hand begins. When possible, make eye contact with the drivers before beginning to cross the road. Drivers must be able to see you, in order to avoid you. Do not assume drivers can see you or that they are paying attention
- if you must walk on the roadway, walk facing traffic and as close to the curb as possible
With files from CTV Toronto
