A driver is facing charges after crashing into a pedestrian at a crosswalk in Ucluelet on Saturday night.
Ucluelet RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Steve Mancini told the Westerly News that a man and a woman had activated the crosswalk’s lights to cross Peninsula Road near Sake Sushi and Heartwood Restaurant around 7:50 p.m.
A southbound vehicle stopped to wait for them to cross, but a northbound vehicle failed to stop and struck the man.
Mancini said the man did not lose consciousness and was taken to Tofino General Hospital to be treated for his injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening.
Mancini said there were no clear indications at the scene that the driver had attempted to stop and the driver is facing charges of driving without due care or attention.
Neither drugs nor alcohol are believed to have been a factor in the crash.
He said slippery road conditions are also not believed to have been a factor, though he noted the dark night likely played a role.
“On the West Coast, when it gets dark here it seems to get really really dark. It’s a reminder to slow down and pay attention,” he said.
He added that the driver, who is not believed to be a Ucluelet resident, was not injured in the crash and remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
“They were shaken up and upset, but no physical injuries,” he said adding the driver was “definitely apologetic” about the incident.
He added this is the first time a pedestrian has been struck at that crosswalk.
“One vehicle had stopped and were doing what they were supposed to do. This was a situation where somebody just wasn’t paying attention,” he said.
andrew.bailey@westerlynews.caLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
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