Calgary’s Royal Oak calls for safety changes after child hit by vehicle
Posted Mar 22, 2023 9:03 am.
Last Updated Mar 22, 2023 9:04 am.
A northwest Calgary community is calling for increased safety measures after an 11-year-old boy was hit by a car on Monday while crossing the street.
The March 20 collision sent the boy to hospital in life-threatening condition.
A change.org petition is asking the city to install high-visibility crosswalks along Royal Oak Drive.
Dave Meyers is a pastor at Royal Oak Victory Church, which is just across the street from the scene of the accident.
With a play school and daycare running out of the church, he’s worried about future collisions.
“This becomes a very active place, and I’m not talking about Sunday. I’m talking about every day through the week,” Meyers told CityNews.
“With the cars that are all parked on the street and all the children that are here, I think it’s essential.”
Related Video
Other parents in the area seem to agree.
“I certainly think that high-visibility crosswalks are essential in this area. And especially in school-going hours,” said one parent in the area.
“There’s a lot of neighbourhood here, a lot of kids. Especially in the summer, there are a lot of people who … use the road and bike a lot. So it’s definitely a safety concern,” another parent said.
Read More: 11-year-old struck by vehicle in Calgary NW Royal Oak
CityNews contacted the City of Calgary for comment on the petition.
“The mobility safety team was saddened to hear about this incident, and our thoughts are with the child and their family and friends at this difficult time,” a statement from the city reads.
“Our team will be working with [Calgary Police Service] as they complete their investigation, and we will review the intersection and corridor for safety improvements.”
The city asks drivers across the city to slow down and be on the lookout for pedestrians.
