Dress To Be Seen, Say Kelowna RCMP

By Kate Bouey

Oct 26, 2018 | 3:48 PM

As the days grow shorter, Kelowna RCMP are asking both pedestrians and cyclists to wear clothing that allows them to “be seen by motorists.”

Police issued the request after two incidents Thursday evening.

On Oct. 25th at 6:17 p.m., Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a white Toyota Tundra pickup truck in the intersection of Bernard Avenue and Richmond Road.

“The pedestrian suffered non-life threatening injuries after hitting her head during the incident,” says Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey, RCMP spokesperson. “She was transported to hospital as a precaution for further medical assessment.”

O’Donaghey says speed, alcohol and drugs were all ruled out in the crash and that investigators believe that poor visibility, likely due to low lighting, rainy conditions and dark non-reflective clothing worn by the pedestrian may have each played a role.

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A short time later, at 7:51 p.m., emergency crews responded to a report of a cyclist struck by a grey Honda Civic in the intersection of Rutland Road and Highway 33.

A witness at the scene told police that, without warning, the cyclist jumped the curb in front of the Honda which didn’t allow the driver to have much time or distance to react. The driver remained at the scene.

The cyclist, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, sustained a non-life threatening head injury and was transported to hospital.

O’Donaghey urges cyclists and pedestrians alike to “dress to be seen by motorists, on dark or overcast days and especially at night or when it’s raining.”

He adds, “As always cyclists are strongly encouraged to wear a helmet at all times. All too often collision scene investigators will find bicycle helmets strapped to the injured cyclists bike, instead of on their head. If you become involved in a collision, you won’t have time to put your helmet on.”

If you witnessed either of these incidents and have not yet spoken with police you are asked to contact the Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300.

by Kate Bouey