Winnipeg police are urging increased caution from both pedestrians and drivers after a recent cluster of collisions involving pedestrians. Officers say there have been 20 motor-vehicle collisions involving pedestrians in the city so far this year, with seven occurring in the last four weeks.
Recent incidents and a fatality
Police noted the recent spike includes a collision on Sept. 29 in Charleswood, where a woman in her 80s was struck while crossing Roblin Boulevard at Hunterspoint Road around 3:30 p.m. The woman was taken to hospital in stable condition but later died on Oct. 15. The investigation into that crash is ongoing, police said.
At a news conference, Const. Stephen Spencer described the number of collisions as "above what occurs in that average time frame" and said it prompted a renewed focus on safety messages for everyone sharing the road.
"Having the right of way does not make you safe. [It] means you may cross if it's safe to do so," Insp. Helen Peters said, adding that drivers also need to be aware of their surroundings.
Factors police highlighted
Police cited a number of factors that can contribute to collisions, including sun glare and drivers experiencing medical events. Insp. Peters emphasised that even when pedestrians have the right of way, they must still ensure it is safe to cross.
She also urged pedestrians to be mindful of potential unknowns inside a vehicle. "We never know what might be happening within that car. We never know what might be happening within somebody's head space," she said, urging pedestrians to take an extra second or two before proceeding.
Local context and public safety implications
The recent pattern is notable for residents who walk, cycle or drive in Winnipeg. With seven collisions in roughly a month, police say the pace exceeded typical averages and warranted public reminders about cautious behaviour on streets and crosswalks.
City residents should weigh several practical precautions: wearing visible clothing in low light, making eye contact with drivers before crossing, and avoiding distractions such as mobile devices. Drivers, meanwhile, should reduce speed in areas with pedestrian traffic, be mindful of glare at certain times of day and be prepared for unpredictable movements.
- Total pedestrian-vehicle collisions this year: 20
- Collisions in past four weeks: 7
- Recent fatality: Woman in her 80s struck Sept. 29; later died Oct. 15
| Metric | Count |
|---|---|
| Collisions this year | 20 |
| Collisions in last four weeks | 7 |
| Recent fatalities (from cited incident) | 1 |
Police said they will continue to investigate individual collisions and to issue public safety messages. For now, officials are asking everyone who uses Winnipeg streets to exercise vigilance and to remember that legal right of way does not guarantee safety.
As the investigation into the Sept. 29 collision continues, police did not release further details about the driver or any charges. They encouraged anyone with information about collisions to contact investigators.
