Monday January 6, 2020 ~ COLWOOD [Updated 8:25 pm January 8, 2020 and 3 pm on January 9, 2020]
by Mary P Brooke ~ West Shore Voice News
A Grade 12 Royal Bay Secondary student walking to school was impacted by a vehicle near the intersection of Wishart and Latoria Roads in Colwood this morning, Monday January 6, just before 9 am.
This was the first day back to classes after winter break in Sooke School District 62 (SD62).
The teen was taken to hospital with minor injuries after being struck. SD62 Superintendent Scott Stinson says (January 8) that the teen is out of hospital and the extent of her injuries — including concussion — are being assessed. “It’s not as bad as it could have been,” said Stinson.
Reportedly the car was in the intersection when the student entered the crosswalk. The vehicle apparently wasn’t speeding at the time of the incident.
According to Stinson, the girl was possibly not paying attention while in the crosswalk.
West Shore RCMP have told West Shore Voice News: “There appears to be confusion on the part of the pedestrian who entered the roadway and apparently did not see the vehicle that was driving through the cross walk as they were looking in the opposite direction. The pedestrian had minor injuries, mostly soreness. The driver was cooperative with police.”
“My encouragement to students is to make sure they make eye contact with driver when they step into a crosswalk and are attempting to step onto the road,” says SD62 Superintendent Stinson. Especially in this grey, rainy weather: “Be aware of your surroundings,” says Stinson. “Don’t take for granted that everybody will stop – visibility is so poor.”
“At this time of year, with rain and being so dark it’s hard (for drivers) to see in the morning. That certainly is a contributing factor to these events,” Stinson told West Shore Voice News.
The location of the incident was off school property. The distance from school was quite a ways (several long blocks).
Stinson is not sure how many students walk to the secondary school, suggesting that in high school most students are on a bus, or driving themselves, or getting rides.
On the morning of the accident: “The student’s parents have been contacted and we wish the student well in their recovery,” said Stephanie Sherlock, communications manager, SD62. Stinson added on Wednesday that the student was out of hospital same-day and at home in the care of her family.
The school district will provide support and counselling to any students or staff who require it, said Sherlock on Monday. “In the meantime, students are in class and the day is continuing as usual,” said Sherlock.