Richmond RCMP issued a traffic safety advisory Sunday after a deadly weekend on the roads that saw two vehicle-related fatalities within 24 hours.
A 62-year-old Richmond woman died in hospital Sunday evening after being struck by a car in the crosswalk at Francis Road and St. Albans road just after 5 p.m.
A day earlier, at about 6:45 p.m. Saturday, a 76-year-old man died when the Toyota Corolla he was driving collided with an Acura Vigor at the intersection of No. 4 Road and Westminster Highway.
Their deaths were the sixth and seventh motor vehicle related fatalities of the year in Richmond and the fourth serious accident within a week, stats that prompted RCMP on Sunday to advise both drivers and pedestrians to be extra mindful when on the roads.
“Police remind all members of the public to use caution in the darker winter driver conditions and further urge those out walking to wear bright clothing and take an extra second to ensure they can safely cross the street,” Richmond RCMP Cpl. Stephanie Ashton said in a statement late Sunday.
The 36-year-old driver of the Acura was treated in hospital for minor injuries and later released. Richmond RCMP Const. Veronica Fox said the investigation remains ongoing, but it appears speed may have been a contributing factor.
“It’s likely there will be some type of consequence (from the investigation),” she said.
The driver of the car that struck the woman, meantime, remained on scene and cooperated with police. The investigation into that incident also remains ongoing.