NEWTON — A Surrey mother and her two young children are in hospital after they were struck by a vehicle when walking across a Newton street close to their home on Tuesday.
Police say the family of four were crossing in or near a crosswalk near 76th Avenue and 147A Street at about 5:50 p.m. when a vehicle driving eastbound hit them.
The father was the only person not injured and the mother got away with minor injuries.
The children weren't so lucky.
The six-year-old son is in hospital with serious injuries but is expected to recover. The four-year-old daughter has serious injuries as well.
"She's in critical but stable condition," said RCMP Cpl. Scotty Schumann.
Schumann declined to elaborate on what any of the injuries were.
According to him, the driver remained at the scene and police don't believe alcohol or speed were factors.
But he said police don't write anything off as an accident.
"We don't even use the term accident," Schumann said Wednesday morning. "There's always something that's led to the chain of events that leads to the crash. In this particular instance, it will be months before we get all the evidence together and know who's to blame."
Meanwhile, Surrey RCMP is increasing its traffic enforcement this month in an attempt to improve pedestrian safety and reduce crashes.
With the city’s first fatal pedestrian collision occurring in late January, and a number of collisions occurring last month, Surrey RCMP’s Traffic Services will ramp up in locations where the most pedestrian crashes and offences have been observed.
In 2015, Surrey pedestrians were involved in 15 crashes with serious injuries and nine tragic fatalities.
“If pedestrians and drivers took a bit more care, crashes could be dramatically reduced,” said Schumann. “Hopefully the added visibility of police in strategically chosen locations will remind people to consider what they can do to reduce the chance of a crash.”
Karen Klein, local road safety co-ordinator, said crashes continue to spike in the winter due to poor weather and decreased daylight.
“When you’re walking, make eye contact, wear bright and reflective clothing, and stay focused on the road," urged Klein. "When you’re driving, take extra time to look for pedestrians before turning, avoid distractions and be ready to yield.”
Pedestrians can be fined under the Motor Vehicle Act for a variety of offences including disobeying a "do not walk" signal, not using a crosswalk when one is available, and not yielding to a vehicle when outside of a crosswalk.