Vigilance urged after bus hits girl
[attach]1542[/attach]Toronto police are urging pedestrians to use caution after an 11-year-old girl was recently struck by a TTC bus while trying to cross Bathurst Street at Danby Avenue.
“Make sure that any movements you’re going to make can be done safely,” said Sergeant Tim Burrows of Toronto Police Service. “You really have to look and continue to look. Treat every lane as its own intersection. Just follow common sense safety approach and never assume you have the right of way.”
The girl, whose name has not been released by police, was trying to cross over to the west side of Bathurst on the morning of April 18. She entered a pedestrian safety barrier in the middle of the road, but stepped out to cross the northbound lanes as a TTC bus approached in the passing lane and struck her.
The girl was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where she remained as of press time.
Since January of 2009, there have been seven other collisions at the intersection of Bathurst and Danby. Two involved pedestrians, but none have been fatal. Although immediately following the accident some area residents questioned the safety of the crossing area, Burrows said the spot was not of particular concern to police as a safety hazard.
“I would say it’s not necessarily an intersection that’s causing us a great deal of concern. Seven collisions since 2009 wouldn’t be on our radar,” said Burrows. He noted pedestrian islands are not usually dangerous if used properly.
“I think one of the concerns is pedestrian action when they’re using (pedestrian islands). People think it’s an area of refuge and safety, which it is when you’re on the street. But when you’re stepping out of it and onto the street, common sense and practice still dictates what you should do,” said Burrows.
He also warned that motorists should take special care when approaching pedestrian crossings.
“For drivers, the fact that there’s an island there should be a sign that you should proceed with caution and look for every action from pedestrians and other vehicles.”
Burrows said the exact cause of the collision had not yet been determined.