THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay Police are reporting on an auto-pedestrian collision that happened earlier today at the intersection of Pearl Street and Cumberland Street.
Police report that at about 12:30 p.m. police, ambulance and fire attended at the intersection of Cumberland St. and Pearl St. regarding a collision between a red sedan and a pedestrian. An 81 year old female pedestrian was knocked over by the left turning vehicle as she was crossing the street in the crosswalk on a green light. She suffered minor injuries.
A 53 year old male driver has been charged with driving while under suspension and for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Police would like to remind all drivers to stay alert to pedestrians, especially at intersections and while making turns. Foul weather and low light conditions make safety concerns even more important at this time of year.
What are the Rules of the Road?
The Ontario Driver Handbook states, “At any intersection where you want to turn left or right, you must yield the right-of-way. If you are turning left, you must wait for approaching traffic to pass or turn and for pedestrians in or approaching your path to cross. If you are turning right, you must wait for pedestrians to cross if they are in or approaching your path. You should also check your blind spot for cyclists approaching from behind, particularly in a bike lane to your right, on a sidewalk or a trail. A yield sign means you must slow down or stop if necessary and yield the right-of-way to traffic in the intersection or on the intersecting road.”
“You must yield the right-of-way and wait for pedestrians to completely cross the road at specially marked pedestrian crossings or crossovers and school crossings with crossing guards.
“Remember, signalling does not give you the right-of-way. You must make sure the way is clear.”
