An 84-year-old pedestrian has died after being hit on a busy Burnaby thoroughfare Saturday.
The man was not on a marked crosswalk when he tried to cross Canada Way and was hit, according to Burnaby RCMP.
New Westminster resident Alex Rockhill who witnessed the crash said the impact launched the man into the air.
“He flew about six feet in the air,” Rockhill said.
Rockhill’s mother, Adelita, was the first to attend to the man, who was bleeding from a gash in his head, Rockhill said.
Burnaby RCMP said the man was taken from the scene in critical but stable condition but has since died.
Two witnesses told the NOW it seemed the driver had had time to brake but didn’t.
“Maybe he didn’t see him,” Rockhill said.
The driver, who stayed at the scene, told the NOW he had tried to hit the brakes and steer away but couldn’t avoid hitting the man.
Police, however, are investigating whether speed was a factor, according to an RCMP press release, and they are requesting anyone with dashcam video who was driving in the area of Canada Way and Ulster Street between 3:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. to contact police.
Any other witnesses are also asked to contact police.
Contact Burnaby RCMP at 604-646-9999. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.solvecrime.ca.
Police are also reminding residents that October is pedestrian safety month, and pedestrians and drivers need to stay alert through the coming winter months.
“Pedestrian crashes spike dramatically in the fall and winter months because of the shorter daylight hours and poor weather,” states the release.
Pedestrians are urged to wear reflective clothing, use crosswalks and make eye contact with drivers when crossing the street.
“Do not assume a driver has seen you, and ensure vehicles are stopped before stepping out onto the roadway,” states the release.
Drivers, meanwhile, are urged to give themselves extra time and space and to look twice for pedestrians crossing the road.
