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Police in Regina are encouraging drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to put safety first after a series of serious crashes.
According to police, there have been 10 crashes involving vehicles and pedestrians, cyclists or e-bike riders over the past 10 days, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries.
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The safety warning from police follows a similar message issued on Friday, but police said the message is being renewed after two more crashes involving pedestrians over the weekend, including an incident that left a young girl badly injured.
The most recent crash happened just after 7:30 a.m. Monday, police said. Officers were called to the area of Sandringham Road and Cumberland Road after getting a report that a woman had been struck by a vehicle. The woman was taken to hospital by paramedics with what appeared to be serious injuries, police said, and the crash remains under investigation.
On Sunday, police were called to the intersection of Pasqua Street and Parliament Avenue after getting a report of a crash involving a vehicle and a six-year-old girl.
“The victim was taken to hospital with what appeared to be serious but non-life-threatening injuries,” the Regina Police Service said in a statement.
“Initial investigation has determined the driver of the vehicle had stopped at a red light and was turning right onto Parliament Avenue when they struck the victim. The investigation is ongoing.”
Police officers also responded to a crash involving a vehicle and a motorcycle on Saturday. According to police, officers were called to the area of Dewdney Avenue and Park Street at about 1:40 p.m., where they found the motorcyclist with what appeared to be serious injuries. He was taken to hospital for treatment, police said.
Police advised drivers to ensure they can see clearly out of all windows and mirrors, to be aware of their surroundings and to remember that all corners are considered crosswalks for pedestrians.
Those on foot were advised to cross at designated crosswalks or corners and to ensure vehicles are stopped before proceeding into the street.
“Check all directions before crossing and stay alert of your surroundings as you cross the street,” the police force noted.
“If you are found at fault in a collision, you can be issued a ticket under the Traffic Safety Act.”
When it comes to bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters, the police force advised riders to always wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road.
“If you are on the road, you are considered a vehicle. Know your hand signals and use them,” police said.
“If your bike fits the criteria to be on the sidewalk, you must dismount and walk your bicycle when crossing a street.”
Inspector Jason Gunderson said the crashes are happening at busy intersections and in residential areas.
“There is no, call it, pattern to them,” he said. “We’re just seeing them all over the city.”
Gunderson said he couldn’t give a specific reason for the increase in collisions but called the number of collisions “high” and “odd.”
He urged people to remember the rules of the road.
“I think it’s just it comes down to road safety,” the Inspector said. “Everybody needs to be aware and just take some extra time as we’re driving to get places, even as we’re walking.”
Gunderson said early investigations have found that drugs and alcohol haven’t influenced the number of crashes.
The Inspector said cyclists should walk their bikes across crosswalks and drivers should double-check for pedestrians.
“We’re all responsible for the safety of the road; that includes drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists,” he said. “Or if you’re riding an e-bike or an e-scooter, everybody is responsible to basically be safe out there and be aware of your surroundings at all times.”
—With files from 980 CJME’s Gillian Massie.
