Police asked pedestrians and drivers to be mindful of each other on our region’s roads.
Wood Buffalo RCMP attended the scene of an incident on March 27, 2020, at 8:30 a.m. after receiving a report of a single-vehicle collision involving a pedestrian.
The female pedestrian crossed on Confederation Way near Eagle Ridge Gate in Timberlea against a light that turned red.
Two pickup trucks stopped on the inside lanes, but they blocked the view for the female driver in the approaching SUV.
The light turned green for traffic travelling east and the SUV continued in that direction when the incident took place.
The SUV stopped immediately upon striking the pedestrian.
Emergency personnel transported the pedestrian by ambulance to the hospital, where they released her after she received treatment for her injuries.
The female driver of the SUV met with RCMP and provided a statement at the scene of the incident.
Police ruled drugs nor alcohol factored in the collision, and they offered victim services.
Witnesses at the scene also provided statements in the investigation.
An RCMP collision analyst attended the scene, while police temporarily rerouted traffic.
Wood Buffalo RCMP stressed the importance of sharing the road to ensure safety for drivers and pedestrians.
Safety tips for pedestrians include:
• Make sure to be visible to drivers at all times. Wear lightly coloured or reflective clothing at night and brightly coloured clothing during the day.
• Make eye contact with drivers in stopped and approaching vehicles to ensure they see you before you cross in front of them.
• Phones are a part of everyday life but they distract your attention and eyes from the environment around you. Put your phone away when walking or crossing.
• Don’t wear headphones. Your ears can tell you a lot about what is happening around you.
• Know and follow all traffic rules, signs and signals. Being aware of the rules that vehicles must follow allows you to anticipate what drivers will do.
• Alcohol and drugs impair your decision-making skills, physical reflexes and reduce your ability to respond quickly in traffic situations.
Police also ask drivers to be mindful of pedestrians at all times, yield to them at crosswalks.
They suggest drivers always reduce their speed and be prepared to stop at such crossings.
