Two pedestrians struck this past weekend

The West Vancouver Police have investigated two pedestrian related collisions this past weekend.

According to witnesses, the first collision involved a 15-year-old pedestrian darting out into traffic in the 1400-block of Marine Drive; it appeared the pedestrian was attempting to cross the street with the purpose of boarding a bus when she collided with a moving vehicle. The pedestrian sustained bruises and abrasions; the vehicle sustained a cracked windshield.

The second collision involved a 22-year-old pedestrian jaywalking in the 900-block of Marine Drive. The pedestrian and driver both reported the incident to police. The pedestrian apparently exited a bus and was not looking when she ran into a moving vehicle; she sustained minor abrasions. There was no damage to the vehicle.

In both cases the pedestrians were issued tickets under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Pedestrian safety tips.

• Always cross at marked crosswalks or at an intersection
You forfeit some of your rights as a pedestrian if you cross elsewhere.

• Obey any pedestrian signals and pause, look left-right-left
To make sure the road is clear in both directions before stepping into the roadway, even if you have the right of way. Keep your head up and look for vehicles that may not see you.

• If a vehicle approaches, make eye contact with the driver
To be sure they see you before and during crossing.

• Look before walking past stopped vehicles
Do not cross just because a driver waves you on. Be sure all lanes are clear first. Check each lane as you go.

• Remember that bicyclists are not considered pedestrians
Unless they are walking their bikes. Otherwise, they are considered vehicles.

• If you’re wearing an MP3 player (iPod)
Only wear one earphone so you can hear everything around you.

• If you have to walk on a roadway
Walk against traffic, it’s the law. If there’s a sidewalk, you must use it.