Two-year-old girl killed, mother in hospital after being hit by tow truck

[Haz]

I felt sick after hearing this on the radio yesterday afternoon. A truly tragic accident just outside of GM Place. Some flatbed truck that can hold 2 cars was apparent turning right and didn't see the woman and baby on the stroller.

http://www.vancouversun.com/news/regional-news/Baby+killed+when+truck+strikes+woman+pushing+strol ler+Vancouver/1932490/story.html

There are some terrible drivers out there as I was nearly hit by someone turning right and not looking while I was crossing the street at a pedestrian crosswalk and the crossing light was on. He even cursed at me afterward.

[Piro21]

Tow truck drivers seem to be especially bad for this. The night after I got my first car I took my girlfriend out and nearly got my head taken off by an unsecured tow hook near credit valley hospital. Two trucks were racing each other to an accident, and passed on either side of me doing a good 90 in a 50 zone. The guy to my left had his hook extended, so it was just bouncing along the road on it's cable behind his truck. Fast forward about a year when I get in a crash, and the cops on the scene end up fining the guy who was taking my car because he didn't have a valid tow license and apparently had outstanding speeding tickets. I had to wait for the guy to get his ticket and for some of his co-workers to come pick up my car and this guy's truck. The whole way to the repair shop these two guys were complaining how the police were cracking down on tow drivers because one of them had apparently nearly killed someone in Brampton the week before. They're worse than any street racer IMO.

[felixdd]

....I was nearly hit by someone turning right and not looking while I was crossing the street at a pedestrian crosswalk and the crossing light was on. He even cursed at me afterward.

Not to shift blame, but to all pedestrians on the road...

LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE YOU CROSS, AND ESPECIALLY BEHIND YOU AT CORNERS

As a motorist, I am incredulous at how haphazard pedestrians are at crossing streets. They just step out without looking to see where cars are. It's especially bad on street corners when people just step out and assume whoever's turning right will see them and will stop in time. Parking lots are just as bad -- people just walk right onto the roadway to reach their destination, ignorant to any cars that might have been on-coming.

I have to admit though, being a motorist has definitely made me a better pedestrian, after seeing how negligent drivers can be.

It's true...you do have right of way. Legally, the roadway is yours to cross when you're not jay-walking, or when you're at a cross-walk. But right of way means nothing when you have to be peeled off of some car's bumper because the driver was on the phone and you assumed he saw you crossing.

[mkerian]

Not to shift blame, but to all pedestrians on the road...

LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE YOU CROSS, AND ESPECIALLY BEHIND YOU AT CORNERS

As a motorist, I am incredulous at how haphazard pedestrians are at crossing streets. They just step out without looking to see where cars are. It's especially bad on street corners when people just step out and assume whoever's turning right will see them and will stop in time. Parking lots are just as bad -- people just walk right onto the roadway to reach their destination, ignorant to any cars that might have been on-coming.

I have to admit though, being a motorist has definitely made me a better pedestrian, after seeing how negligent drivers can be.

It's true...you do have right of way. Legally, the roadway is yours to cross when you're not jay-walking, or when you're at a cross-walk. But right of way means nothing when you have to be peeled off of some car's bumper because the driver was on the phone and you assumed he saw you crossing.

+1 As a motorist, I've become a more better pedestrian. I always make sure to glance all around to make sure cars aren't going to run me over, as well as making eye contact with drivers who are looking to turn right or left into my walking area.

As for Tow truck drivers, I would say a good majority of them are very callous and ignorant about sharing the road with other drivers. Maybe its the nature of tow truck drivers, or the fact that their on the road everyday.

[thelefteyeguy]

in this situation...this accident was impossible to avoid for the mom and a stroller w/kid

it's not like the mom can just jump away...

[ADIL86]

Or maybe there are bad apples in any group. Could have been a taxi cab and people in this forum would have jumped on them. Could have been an old Asian lady and people would have jumped on them. Bottom line is when driving or crossing a street you ought to be alert and aware of all possible dangers.

[Troodon]

Not to shift blame, but to all pedestrians on the road...

LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE YOU CROSS, AND ESPECIALLY BEHIND YOU AT CORNERS

As a motorist, I am incredulous at how haphazard pedestrians are at crossing streets. They just step out without looking to see where cars are. It's especially bad on street corners when people just step out and assume whoever's turning right will see them and will stop in time. Parking lots are just as bad -- people just walk right onto the roadway to reach their destination, ignorant to any cars that might have been on-coming.

I have to admit though, being a motorist has definitely made me a better pedestrian, after seeing how negligent drivers can be.

It's true...you do have right of way. Legally, the roadway is yours to cross when you're not jay-walking, or when you're at a cross-walk. But right of way means nothing when you have to be peeled off of some car's bumper because the driver was on the phone and you assumed he saw you crossing.

No. As someone who just learned to drive, I have to blame ICBC for this. They are simply too weak in enforcing speed limits. Most people don't even drive 30KM/h in school zones or park zones. I found it ironic that while I was doing my road test, I was the only one driving at 50KM/h on Lougheed and Boundary.

I think it's ridiculous for ICBC to set up rules and not enforce them.

The speed limits are designed in mind to cover events such as pedestrians. If no one jay-walked, or do stupid things then we can all drive 200KM/h and there would be no problems.

Another problem is how ICBC resolve crashes. Basically, the person without right of way ALWAYS get blamed, the person turning. My friend was turning left on a yellow and got hit by a car which ran the light. While, sure my friend should've looked but the ICBC should not give 0 responsibility to the other driver. Also, some people don't even brake when hitting another car since they know they have the right of way. Well that's true, but ICBC shouldn't set up a system where people only avoid crashes if they get 100% responsibility.

[TCB069]

No. As someone who just learned to drive, I have to blame ICBC for this. They are simply too weak in enforcing speed limits. Most people don't even drive 30KM/h in school zones or park zones. I found it ironic that while I was doing my road test, I was the only one driving at 50KM/h on Lougheed and Boundary.

I think it's ridiculous for ICBC to set up rules and not enforce them.

The speed limits are designed in mind to cover events such as pedestrians. If no one jay-walked, or do stupid things then we can all drive 200KM/h and there would be no problems.

Another problem is how ICBC resolve crashes. Basically, the person without right of way ALWAYS get blamed, the person turning. My friend was turning left on a yellow and got hit by a car which ran the light. While, sure my friend should've looked but the ICBC should not give 0 responsibility to the other driver. Also, some people don't even brake when hitting another car since they know they have the right of way. Well that's true, but ICBC shouldn't set up a system where people only avoid crashes if they get 100% responsibility.

Um, ICBC is an insurance company, they do not create or enforce the law. That is the responsibility of the police. Yes, ICBC is a government Crown corporation, but they have no power to enforce speed limits.

[Impossibles]

Not to shift blame, but to all pedestrians on the road...

LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE YOU CROSS, AND ESPECIALLY BEHIND YOU AT CORNERS

As a motorist, I am incredulous at how haphazard pedestrians are at crossing streets. They just step out without looking to see where cars are. It's especially bad on street corners when people just step out and assume whoever's turning right will see them and will stop in time. Parking lots are just as bad -- people just walk right onto the roadway to reach their destination, ignorant to any cars that might have been on-coming.

I have to admit though, being a motorist has definitely made me a better pedestrian, after seeing how negligent drivers can be.

It's true...you do have right of way. Legally, the roadway is yours to cross when you're not jay-walking, or when you're at a cross-walk. But right of way means nothing when you have to be peeled off of some car's bumper because the driver was on the phone and you assumed he saw you crossing.

Not to mention all the people at crosswalks staring at their ipod or phone while crossing the street.

We don't know what happened at this particular accident, its very possible the mother was at fault.

[_Allan_]

Not to shift blame, but to all pedestrians on the road...

LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE YOU CROSS, AND ESPECIALLY BEHIND YOU AT CORNERS

As a motorist, I am incredulous at how haphazard pedestrians are at crossing streets. They just step out without looking to see where cars are. It's especially bad on street corners when people just step out and assume whoever's turning right will see them and will stop in time. Parking lots are just as bad -- people just walk right onto the roadway to reach their destination, ignorant to any cars that might have been on-coming.

I have to admit though, being a motorist has definitely made me a better pedestrian, after seeing how negligent drivers can be.

It's true...you do have right of way. Legally, the roadway is yours to cross when you're not jay-walking, or when you're at a cross-walk. But right of way means nothing when you have to be peeled off of some car's bumper because the driver was on the phone and you assumed he saw you crossing.

+1 As a motorist, I've become a more better pedestrian. I always make sure to glance all around to make sure cars aren't going to run me over, as well as making eye contact with drivers who are looking to turn right or left into my walking area.

As for Tow truck drivers, I would say a good majority of them are very callous and ignorant about sharing the road with other drivers. Maybe its the nature of tow truck drivers, or the fact that their on the road everyday.

Might I point out the law to you gentlemen?

Pedestrian crossover, duties of driver - 140.

(1) Subject to subsection (2), when a pedestrian or a person in a wheelchair crossing a roadway within a pedestrian crossover,

(a) is upon the half of the roadway upon which a vehicle or street car is travelling; or

(b) is upon half of the roadway and is approaching the other half of the roadway on which a vehicle or street car is approaching so closely to the pedestrian crossover as to endanger him or her,

the driver of the vehicle or street car shall yield the right of way to the pedestrian or a person in a wheelchair by slowing down or stopping if necessary. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 140 (1).

So, this places it squarely on YOUR SHOULDERS as a driver, to make sure pedestrians are not injured. I don't know how many times I've had to stop because a motorist is blocking the sidewalk. It's not safe most times, for pedestrians to walk around, because your fellow drivers are only an inch of two from your bumper. Most drivers think they are more important then pedestrians. Did you not learn in drivers ed that you stop BEFORE the crosswalk/sidewalk not IN or ON it?

[nuberific]

Did you not learn in drivers ed that you stop BEFORE the crosswalk/sidewalk not IN or ON it?

+10000.

It's a big pet peeve of mine when drivers drive right through it. No one ever enforces this though, oh well.

[Troodon]

Um, ICBC is an insurance company, they do not create or enforce the law. That is the responsibility of the police. Yes, ICBC is a government Crown corporation, but they have no power to enforce speed limits.

But they determine how many violations drivers need to lose their license. They determine the insurance rate for those who violate speed limits.

[Lava]

Might I point out the law to you gentlemen?

Pedestrian crossover, duties of driver - 140.

(1) Subject to subsection (2), when a pedestrian or a person in a wheelchair crossing a roadway within a pedestrian crossover,

(a) is upon the half of the roadway upon which a vehicle or street car is travelling; or

(b) is upon half of the roadway and is approaching the other half of the roadway on which a vehicle or street car is approaching so closely to the pedestrian crossover as to endanger him or her,

the driver of the vehicle or street car shall yield the right of way to the pedestrian or a person in a wheelchair by slowing down or stopping if necessary. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 140 (1).

So, this places it squarely on YOUR SHOULDERS as a driver, to make sure pedestrians are not injured. I don't know how many times I've had to stop because a motorist is blocking the sidewalk. It's not safe most times, for pedestrians to walk around, because your fellow drivers are only an inch of two from your bumper. Most drivers think they are more important then pedestrians. Did you not learn in drivers ed that you stop BEFORE the crosswalk/sidewalk not IN or ON it?

I agree it is the drivers responsibility to watch for pedestrians but it shouldn't be all up to the driver. Whoever is crossing the road should be smart enough to look before crossing, we learned as kids to look both ways before crossing the street, but as adults and teenagers people become ignorant. Drivers are only human, we can't see around blind corners. Both pedestrians and driver should cooperate and the pedestrian and driver should make eye contact so you know that you see eachother.

[frugalman]

so sad to read this.. but yes, everytime i cross, and a car is waiting to turn, i feel like i'm going to get run over. there needs to be dedicated turning lights such as in quebec. turn right only when turn right light is on, same for left turn.

[Impossibles]

Might I point out the law to you gentlemen?

Pedestrian crossover, duties of driver - 140.

(1) Subject to subsection (2), when a pedestrian or a person in a wheelchair crossing a roadway within a pedestrian crossover,

(a) is upon the half of the roadway upon which a vehicle or street car is travelling; or

(b) is upon half of the roadway and is approaching the other half of the roadway on which a vehicle or street car is approaching so closely to the pedestrian crossover as to endanger him or her,

the driver of the vehicle or street car shall yield the right of way to the pedestrian or a person in a wheelchair by slowing down or stopping if necessary. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 140 (1).

So, this places it squarely on YOUR SHOULDERS as a driver, to make sure pedestrians are not injured. I don't know how many times I've had to stop because a motorist is blocking the sidewalk. It's not safe most times, for pedestrians to walk around, because your fellow drivers are only an inch of two from your bumper. Most drivers think they are more important then pedestrians. Did you not learn in drivers ed that you stop BEFORE the crosswalk/sidewalk not IN or ON it?

Ask the 2 year old if they care if the driver was driving legally. Pedestrians have a lot more to lose than drivers, they need to protect themselves over and above traffic laws.

[mcplar]

No. As someone who just learned to drive, I have to blame ICBC for this. They are simply too weak in enforcing speed limits. Most people don't even drive 30KM/h in school zones or park zones. I found it ironic that while I was doing my road test, I was the only one driving at 50KM/h on Lougheed and Boundary.

I think it's ridiculous for ICBC to set up rules and not enforce them.

The speed limits are designed in mind to cover events such as pedestrians. If no one jay-walked, or do stupid things then we can all drive 200KM/h and there would be no problems.

Another problem is how ICBC resolve crashes. Basically, the person without right of way ALWAYS get blamed, the person turning. My friend was turning left on a yellow and got hit by a car which ran the light. While, sure my friend should've looked but the ICBC should not give 0 responsibility to the other driver. Also, some people don't even brake when hitting another car since they know they have the right of way. Well that's true, but ICBC shouldn't set up a system where people only avoid crashes if they get 100% responsibility.

You obviously were never taught about basic rules of the road. Make sure the driver who HAS THE RIGHT OF WAY is out of the way or is doing what they are signalling. The on coming vehicle has right of way... plain and simple.

ie.
You're waiting to turn right at a stop sign, there is an oncoming car with their right turn signal on.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
a) make your right turn - because the oncoming car is signalling
OR
b) wait to confirm the driver is in fact making the turn (slowing down & starting to turn in the direction indicated)....

If you did A, you would be at fault for not confirming the intensions of the oncoming driver who had right of way.


would contact your driving school and ask for a refund.

PS. they are not called accidents (MVA) anymore - accidents are 'preventable'. They are now called incidents (MVI).

[noob666]

it's sad to hear the news, hope the mother get well soon

i do agree to some poster on top said you have to look before you set your feet to cross the street. No matter who's right or wrong, the pedestrian will always get the worst end of it because you are going to be the one get hit buy a few thousand pound of mettal.

i understand you have the right to cross the street but would it be better to take care of your own life first ? you can't agure who's right or wrong if you are dead.

i do see all these bad pedestrian at the corner of pmall. i really don't know what the reason is and they always want to just stand on the street and not keeping themself within the road. Everytime i make a right turn around the area i need to pay extra attention because of those people. That extra step is going to be there life and dead.....

[felixdd]

Might I point out the law to you gentlemen?
...
So, this places it squarely on YOUR SHOULDERS as a driver, to make sure pedestrians are not injured. I don't know how many times I've had to stop because a motorist is blocking the sidewalk. It's not safe most times, for pedestrians to walk around, because your fellow drivers are only an inch of two from your bumper. Most drivers think they are more important then pedestrians. Did you not learn in drivers ed that you stop BEFORE the crosswalk/sidewalk not IN or ON it?

May I point out that I already addressed that in my original post?

It's true...you do have right of way. Legally, the roadway is yours to cross when you're not jay-walking, or when you're at a cross-walk. But right of way means nothing when you have to be peeled off of some car's bumper because the driver was on the phone and you assumed he saw you crossing.

I agree with you. I really do. Most drivers in Canada are horrible. Cars are legally obliged to yield to pedestrians under most circumstances. Cars often stop over sidewalks, onto pedestrian paths, which is inappropriate.

But what I'm arguing is that pedestrians need to be more careful too. The "law" isn't going to prevent your death when you are run over by the piles of negligent drivers on the roads today.

Much like everyone is encouraged to practice defensive driving, pedestrians too need to be defensive. Yes -- the responsibility is on the driver's shoulder to prevent injury to pedestrians. But that is in the ideal world, and the truth is currently we have drivers using cellphones, texting, and generally not paying attention to their driving. Case in point of how ignorant many drivers are -- during traffic jams, I've seen many cars stop in the middle of intersections, block roadways, and even plunk their cars on a railroad track, just to maintain the bumper-to-bumper pattern that they've been driving.

EXPECTING drivers like that to stop for you and just stepping onto the road is asking to be killed.

Ultimately, this is a tragic event, and any measures to minimize death is welcomed. Tighter and harsher penalties for driving infractions need to be instituted. And more proactive traffic awareness education needs to be in place. When both driver and pedestrians are equally defensive and road-aware, deaths will be minimized.

[felixdd]

And let me further clarify...

when I read this story, I was immediately and acutely aware of the fact that there is a high chance that the tow-truck driver was driving recklessly. I've seen plenty of tow-truck drivers weave and dart through busy traffic just to get to the scene of an accident, while they themselves are risking the lives of other road users.

That needs to be amended. Our current system endorses that sort of behavior, which is unacceptable.

Nonetheless, if the tow-truck driver was doing something highly illegal, then yes the fault was squarely his.

But it doesn't change the fact that a 2-year-old is dead and the mother injured. No number of years behind bars will abate that pain she must feel.


But this case is a good opportunity to remind everyone, pedestrian and driver alike, of road safety!