In just over 36 hours, Barrie police have responded to five vehicle collisions involving pedestrians.
"This is unprecedented," said Peter Leon, Barrie Police communications coordinator. "We haven't had a stretch like this where we've seen so many collisions involving pedestrians and motor vehicles in our city."
The latest occurred shortly after 12:30 Friday morning on Bayfield Street, according to authorities, after a northbound vehicle struck a 31-year-old Barrie woman who is believed to have stepped out onto the road from the east side of the street, across from the Bayfield Mall. The woman was transported to a local hospital and later taken to a Toronto trauma centre where she is being treated for life-threatening injuries.
Police are also investigating another collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian that happened just before 7 p.m. Thursday.
They say a 58-year-old man was struck by an eastbound vehicle on Wellington Street East and Peel Street. He was transported to Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
"In both of these collisions, the Barrie Police Traffic Unit is appealing for witnesses and dash camera video footage that many assist police with these ongoing investigations. If you can assist, please call 705-725-7025 and ask to speak with the Traffic Unit," police stated in a news release on Friday.
Of those five collisions, they all occurred when it was dark and only one happened at an intersection with traffic lights.
"Road safety is a shared responsibility," said Leon. "But when pedestrians step off unexpectedly and a vehicle travelling at the posted speed limit in the City of Barrie can't stop on a dime. We urge people to cross at locations where it's identified and safe to do so. Stepping across the road and crossing where you wish is a recipe for disaster."
In one of the collisions on Wednesday evening, a 15-year-old boy was hit by a Dodge Ram pickup truck while crossing Bayfield Street north of Livingstone Street, and the motorist did not stop. The teen was treated for abrasions and lower body injuries.
Police say especially at night, pedestrians are encouraged to wear light-coloured clothing or clothing that contains reflective qualities.
Banner image: First responders tend to a pedestrian who was struck by a vehicle on Wellington Street East and Grove Street on Feb. 1, 2024. IMAGE- Michael Chorney
