A senior woman struck in a crosswalk on 30th Avenue is not only broken and bruised but she is dismayed at the lack of care drivers give to pedestrians.
The 78-year-old, who wished to remain anonymous, is one of several recent instances where pedestrians have been plowed down in crosswalks.
"I'm just the latest victim," said the woman who lives in McCulloch Court downtown and therefore walks to most of her destinations.
On Aug. 23, two people were hit while crossing 32nd Street, just weeks after a young girl was hit crossing the same street at 30th Avenue on July 20 and later died as a result of her injuries.
The latest incident took place Aug. 31, around 3:10 p.m. when the senior was struck downtown.
"According to the investigation, the pedestrian was crossing 30th Street at the intersection when they were struck by a black pickup truck turning southbound onto 30th Street from 30th Avenue," said Const. Chris Terleski, media relations officer.
She was taken to hospital and treated for a fractured humerus bone, cuts and bruises.
"This very large truck came very quickly around the corner. I didn't see her," said the victim.
Now unable to use one of her arms, she can't lean over, can't clean up spills and is left trying to get help from Interior Health and ICBC to resume normal daily activities.
"ICBC asked me if I got the license plate while I was laying there bleeding and crying," she said.
Watching her friend and neighbour struggle, another senior says pedestrians are taking their lives into their own hands trying to cross the streets in marked crosswalks.
"I've had many, many close calls. I have a reflective vest and I hold it in front of me and shake it, that seems to get their attention," said the friend.
But the victim says it's the drivers who need to slow down and be more aware of pedestrians.
"They need to be taken off the road," she said of those who disregard the laws.
The two friends concur that the worst crosswalk is the one in front of FreshCo on 30th Avenue.
"My daughter owns a business downtown, she said above all else do not walk downtown at night."
