REGINA - The Regina Police Service are advising that the warmer weather increases the risk of collisions involving pedestrians.
As a result, police are reminding motorists and pedestrians alike to be extra careful when travelling on the roads.
"As temperatures rise, more people are out walking and riding bikes or scooters in our city. The Regina Police Service would like to remind the public that ensuring our streets are safe is a shared responsibility by all who are using them," the Regina Police Service said in the press release.
In just the past 26 hours police have been called to two collisions involving pedestrians and vehicles.
The first incident occurred March 6 at approximately 8:15 a.m. near Broadway Avenue and Abbott Street. When police arrived, they found a seven-year-old girl injured and lying on the ground. EMS arrived on scene and transported the victim to the hospital where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation determined the child was struck by the eastbound vehicle as she attempted to walk across Broadway Avenue at a crosswalk. The investigation into this collision is ongoing.
The second collision occurred near 9th Avenue North and McCarthy Boulevard at approximately 7:30 p.m. on March 6. A 19-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle in the westbound lanes of 9th Avenue North. She was taken by EMS to hospital to be treated for what appeared to be minor injuries. The investigation determined the female was not at a corner or crosswalk when she attempted to travel across the street.
Tips to reduce collisions
Drivers:
- Ensure you are able to see clearly out of all windows/mirrors. Tickets can be issued if your view is obstructed.
- Be aware of your surroundings. If a vehicle in front of you or next to you is stopping, do not proceed or try to go around them as there may be a pedestrian crossing the street.
- All corners are considered crosswalks. Be aware of pedestrians attempting to cross the street.
Pedestrians:
- Cross the street at a designated crosswalk or corner.
- As you cross the street, check to make sure vehicles are stopped before you proceed into the next lane.
- Check all directions before crossing and stay alert of your surroundings as you cross the street.
- If you are found at fault in a collision, you can be issued a ticket under the Traffic Safety Act.
Cyclists/Scooters:
- Wear a helmet
- Follow the rules of the road. If you are on the road, you are considered a vehicle. Know your hand signals and use them.
- If your bike fits the criteria to be on the sidewalk, you must dismount and walk your bicycle when crossing a street.
More tips on how to share the road are available .
In addition, police would like to remind drivers that if they come upon an active collision investigation, they must obey the road closure. Multiple drivers drove through the clearly marked perimetre on yesterday’s collision investigation scene. One driver was ticketed after driving through the scene and over top of evidence.
Police thank the public for their cooperation in this regard.
