Two teenagers were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle while using a marked crosswalk in Nanaimo over the weekend.
The collision happened just before 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 28th, at the intersection of Departure Bay Road and Bay Street.
Nanaimo RCMP, Nanaimo Fire Rescue and BC Emergency Health Services responded to the scene after a newer-model Ford Mustang struck two youths, aged 13 and 16, who were crossing the road.
Both teens were treated at the scene before being transported to hospital for further treatment.
The 40-year-old driver remained at the scene and fully cooperated with police.
After speaking with the driver, the two youths and several witnesses, officers determined that driver inattention was a contributing factor in the crash.
Police said speed, alcohol and drugs were ruled out as factors.
The driver was issued a violation ticket for failing to yield to pedestrians in a crosswalk.
The incident has prompted RCMP to remind motorists to stay focused behind the wheel and remain alert when approaching intersections.
“Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. Drivers should reduce distractions, scan intersections carefully,” said Inspector Donovan Tait, Operations Officer for the Nanaimo RCMP.
“And be prepared to stop when approaching marked and unmarked crosswalks,” he added.
Police added that even a brief distraction, such as glancing at a phone to check a message, can have serious consequences and are urging drivers to keep their attention on the road to help prevent similar incidents.
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