A woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries but was still taken to hospital after she was struck by a vehicle in Coquitlam this week.
And the incident ultimately led to a multi-vehicle collision.
Before 8 p.m. Tuesday night (Dec. 7), Mounties were called to the 3000-block of Lougheed Highway — east of Pinetree Way — after a female cyclist was knocked her off her bike by the first of two vehicles involved in the crash.
The first attempted to avoid hitting the pedestrian, according to police, but was also hit by another vehicle as they were also unable to avoid the collision.
The woman was taken to hospital by paramedics. There were no injuries reported to any of the occupants in the two vehicles.
Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Paige Kuz tells the Tri-City News speed and impairment are not believed to be factors in the multi-vehicle collision.
"We all have a part to play in improving pedestrian safety," she said.
"We are all pedestrians from time to time, so it’s important to pay attention to what is going on around us."
ICBC's latest stats reveal an average of 52 pedestrians die each year from motor vehicle incidents across the province each year, while more than 2,400 are left injured.
The provincial agency says 79 per cent take place at intersections, many of which are the result of distracted driving and failing to yield for pedestrians, and 55 per cent of pedestrian deaths take place between October and January.
The following tips are provided by RCMP on avoiding pedestrian collisions:
DRIVERS
- Focus on the road. Always leave your phone alone while driving.
- Be ready to yield to pedestrians, especially when turning at intersections and near transit stops.
- If a vehicle has stopped in front of you or in the lane next to you, it may be yielding for a pedestrian.
- Expect the unexpected, even mid-block, as pedestrians may be jaywalking.
- Slow down. Give yourself more time to react to the unexpected, like a pedestrian that suddenly appears in front of you.
PEDESTRIANS
- Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street. Do not assume a driver has seen you.
- Dress to be seen in bright or reflective clothing especially at night and on dark/overcast days.
- Use a crosswalk, a majority of the fatal pedestrian collisions involve jaywalking.
- Walk on the inside edge of the sidewalk so you are further away from traffic.
- If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles.
- Make sure you can hear and see oncoming cars. Remove your headphones and your hood when crossing the street.
- Always look for signs that a vehicle is about to move (rear lights, exhaust smoke, sound of motor, wheels turning).
