Three pedestrians and a cyclist were injured in motor vehicle collisions on Sunday.
Parkland Ambulance media liaison Lyle Karasiuk said a spike in pedestrian-vehicle collisions is typical at the onset of warmer weather, when more people are out and about. The slushy conditions, he speculated, can sometimes force people off the sidewalks and closer to traffic.
The first three injuries took place over a few hours on Sunday afternoon. At 4:50 p.m., paramedics responded to a 45-year-old man struck by a vehicle at 2 Avenue West and Marquis Road. They took him to hospital in good and stable condition.
Then, just after six, they got a second call. Another pedestrian, a 19-year-old man, was hit by a vehicle at 28 Street and 15 Avenue East, sustaining serous injuries. Paramedics took him to hospital, and he was eventually transferred to the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon. As of Monday morning, he was still there, in serious but stable condition.
One hour later, at 7:15 p.m., paramedics cared for a third man at the corner of 15 Street and 8 Avenue West. The 49-year-old pedestrian sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital for further care.
Then, at about 11:00, Parkland Ambulance cared for a 22-year-old cyclist who was struck down in a motor vehicle collision at 6 Avenue East and 22 Street. They took the man, who had suffered minor injuries, to hospital in good and stable condition.
Karasiuk said people, both drivers and pedestrians, need to be more cautious as the warmer weather continues.
“We all need to take responsibility,” he said. “That means crossing at the crosswalk. If you are crossing at a block then stop, look and listen.
“Bright clothing is great to make yourself visible and, drivers, you need to watch for people cause there are more people out there.”
“We need to start putting our minds to springtime.”
