The New Westminster Police Department (NWPD) is urging drivers to “stay focused” after responding to three separate road collisions involving pedestrians in as many days.
The incidents happened between Nov. 22 and Nov. 24.
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Sgt. Andrew Leaver tells 1130 NewsRadio it was an unusual three days.
“I don’t recall there being this many pedestrians being struck by vehicles in this short amount of time,” Leaver said.
The first incident happened on Nov. 22 along 6th Street. NWPD says the victim called 911 himself after the driver struck. The driver reportedly remained on scene and cooperated with investigators.
First responders determined the victim’s injuries to be minor.
The second collision happened an hour later, nearby on 8th Street. Police say officers were already downtown, so they were able to provide aid to the pedestrian, who also suffered minor injuries.
The NWPD learned that the driver involved in the second incident did not stop after the crash. Police located the driver nearby on Carnarvon Street.
The third incident happened on Monday, when a driver struck a pedestrian while crossing in the Sapperton area. Police say the driver remained on scene, and their vehicle was seized as part of the investigation.
Leaver says that the extent of the injuries to the third pedestrian is unknown.
He says many factors in the winter months contribute to dangerous driving.
“Visibility is reduced. There’s a lot of rain right now. It gets dark early.”
Leaver adds that road safety is a shared responsibility.
“We are asking people to slow down, stay focused, and look out for each other.”
The NWPD says that the three cases are open and still under investigation, but some of the drivers have been issued violation tickets.
