Vancouver police urge road safety as daylight hours decrease

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is urging drivers, parents and pedestrians to take extra precautions as shorter daylight hours make road visibility more difficult.

At approximately 8:30 a.m. Thursday, officers attending an unrelated call near East Pender Street and Victoria Drive witnessed a seven-year-old girl attempting to cross the road mid-block between parked vehicles to reach her parents’ vehicle on the opposite side.

The girl ran into the roadway and was struck by a vehicle travelling at approximately 20 km/h. The driver was unable to see her before she entered the road.

The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. The child was taken to hospital and later released with minor injuries.

“This incident is an important reminder for pedestrians to exercise additional caution and for drivers to stay vigilant, especially during darker morning and evening commutes,” said Constable Megan Lui.

With Halloween approaching, the VPD is encouraging families to plan ahead and remind children to use crosswalks, remain visible and watch for traffic while walking through their neighbourhoods.