Having the right of way to cross the street does not always mean it is actually safe to do so. That is the message from Winnipeg police Monday as officers have been investigating multiple collisions between vehicles and pedestrians, one of which was fatal. Between Sept. 11 and Oct. 15, police outlined eight crashes involving pedestrians that ranged from children to seniors. The fatal incident happened on Sept. 29 around 3:30 p.m., police said. A woman in her 80s was at the intersection of Roblin Boulevard and Hunterspoint Road, crossing at the controlled crosswalk. Police said as she was crossing, she was hit by a vehicle turning right onto Roblin, who failed to stop at the stop sign. She was taken to hospital in stable condition. However, police said officers received an update that the woman died from her injuries on Oct. 15. The driver has been identified and the investigation continues. Also, during the span of these crashes, one driver was charged with impaired driving. The incident happened on Oct. 15, at the intersection of Bonita Avenue and St. Anne’s Road. Police said two people in their 60s were crossing the road on motorized mobility scooters when they were hit by a vehicle turning left onto Bonita. They were both taken to hospital in stable condition. Police said the 69-year-old driver of the vehicle stayed on scene and was charged with operating a conveyance while impaired and with having a blood alcohol concentration of 80 mgs or more two hours after operating a conveyance. Insp. Helen Peters said when there are multiple incidents like this in a short period of time, police need to figure out if there are any similarities and what the message needs to be to the public. She notes all of these crashes happened in marked crosswalks and parking lots. “I think the message that we would like to share with everyone is having the right of way does not make you safe,” said Peters. She said pedestrians are the most vulnerable users of roadways in the city and everyone has to play a part to ensure everyone is safe. “The best way to keep safe is actually make eye contact with each other when we’re out there on the road. As motorists, make eye contact with pedestrians so you know that they’ve seen you coming and vice versa. As pedestrians, make eye contact with oncoming drivers, give them a little bit of time to slow down to actually see you, and then maybe even wait until they’ve stopped before crossing that street.” Peters is also reminding pedestrians on the side of the road to also remain vigilant, saying you never know what is happening inside a vehicle, noting multiple medical events that have led to crashes this year. If anyone has information or video footage from any crash, they are asked to contact police.
