Teen badly injured, girl hit in 2 separate crosswalk accidents as drivers warned to be careful
CBC News | Posted: September 7, 2017 5:32 PM | Last Updated: September 7, 2017
Accidents in Airdrie, Red Deer spur police warnings for drivers and pedestrians to be cautious
Police are reminding drivers in Alberta to slow down and watch for students heading back to school after a teenager on a bike was critically injured when he was hit by an SUV in Red Deer and an eight-year-old girl was hit by a car in Airdrie.
In both cases, the students were in crosswalks.
The incident in Red Deer happened in the intersection of Davison Drive and 50th Street at about 8:30 a.m. Thursday.
The 16-year-old boy was cycling on the sidewalk along 50th Street and attempted to cross the road.
"[He] basically pulled out in front of a vehicle and was struck by that vehicle," said Sgt. Kevin Halwa.
The teen, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken to hospital with critical head injuries.
In this case, the driver is not at fault, said Halwa.
"We have to share the roadways and use some caution. So whether you are stepping off the sidewalk, stepping out from between some vehicles or crossing a crosswalk, you have to be careful. Whoever has the right-of-way is irrelevant if you get struck by a vehicle."
Girl hit in crosswalk by Airdrie school
On Tuesday afternoon, an eight-year-old girl walking home from school with her mother in Airdrie was hit by a small car at Luxstone Boulevard S.W. near St. Martin De Porres High School.
"Thankfully, there were no injuries. The driver of the vehicle was issued a ticket for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk," Airdrie RCMP wrote in a news release on Thursday.
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"Police are reminding the public to slow down with kids returning to school and settling into their new routines," Airdrie RCMP said in a news release.
"Pedestrians, like motorists, should also use caution when using crosswalks. Please ensure that vehicles have stopped and have acknowledged that you are trying to cross prior to stepping onto the street."
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