Crosswalk needs safety improvements say Nanaimo residents

CHEK
WatchCrosswalk has seen two fatalities before most recent serious collision

Some concerned Nanaimo residents say lives are on the line, unless safety upgrades come to a pedestrian crosswalk, and soon.

It comes after another person was struck at a busy pedestrian crossing of Bruce Avenue.

“To put in one of those flashing pedestrian-activated flashing lights,” said Darcy Ambler of Walk In Nanaimo (WIN).

“I don’t know the resistance to that.”

On Monday night 24-year-old Daisy Collis was crossing Bruce Avenue on her way to work when she was struck by a southbound car. She was airlifted to a Victoria hospital with severe leg injuries involving multiple broken bones, torn ligaments and muscle damage.

“She’s trying very hard towards her recovery. Due to the severity of her injuries, she does have a long road ahead of her in terms of she’s going to have learn to do a lot things over again,” said Codie Bonner, a friend.

Other collisions here have been fatal.

In March of 2016, a 55-year-old woman was struck by this pickup truck while walking in the crosswalk. She later died in the hospital.

And in March of 2003, a 14-year-old girl was crossing here as well when she was struck and killed by a motorist.

In all three collisions, it was dark and the pedestrians were wearing dark non-reflective clothing.

“One person’s been killed at the very least and one has had her life changed forever possibly and from my research, those pedestrian-activated lights cost $12,500 which to me is nothing,” said Ambler.

“Something needs to be done because everybody can’t buy reflective clothing,” said Bonner.

“We can’t be expected to wave our arms in front of us and tell everybody that we’re here. This is supposed a safe place for us to walk across.”

Nanaimo RCMP has long advocated for pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers before using crosswalks.

A gofundme has been set up to help Collis and her boyfriend. He’s been at her side in the hospital, while they still have to pay for rent, car and other expenses.

Nanaimo’s transportation manager told NanaimoNewsNow they’re currently reviewing traffic flows and pedestrian movements on Bruce Avenue.

Kendall HansonKendall Hanson

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!