A child in a stroller was struck by a vehicle near an elementary school in Armstrong, just days after a petition was launched calling for speed bumps to be installed in local school zones.
Police received a report that a child had been hit by a vehicle at the intersection of Wood Avenue and Highland Park Drive, near Highland Park Elementary, around 2 p.m. Thursday, May 29, said Vernon North Okanagan RCMP media relations officer Const. Chris Terleski.
Officers went to the scene and found paramedics caring for the young child.
An investigation determined the child was being pushed through the intersection in a stroller when it was struck by a pickup truck making a left-hand turn onto Highland Park Drive from Wood Avenue, Terleski said.
The child was transported to hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.
The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police, and was issued a ticket for failing to yield to a pedestrian, Terleski said.
The incident came three days after an online petition was launched calling for speed bumps to be installed around Armstrong schools.
Fawna M. had launched the petition with young students' safety in mind.
"Every morning, as my young son eagerly walks to school, my heart races with worry. Armstrong is a cherished community full of vibrant families and children who love to walk to school and play in our neighbourhood," Fawna wrote in the petition. "However, the joy of watching our children walk independently is often overshadowed by the constant fear of speeding and distracted drivers. Despite road safety education efforts, we've witnessed numerous close calls and incidents where children have been hurt."
The petition isn't the first instance of calls for better road safety around Armstrong schools. There were calls for traffic calming measures in 2021 after a young boy was clipped by a vehicle in a crosswalk near Armstrong Elementary School.
"Speed bumps are proven to significantly reduce vehicle speeds and enhance driver awareness, creating a safer environment for everyone. Data from studies conducted across North America show that well-placed speed bumps can lower traffic speeds by 20-25 per cent, which significantly decreases the likelihood of accidents," Fawna wrote.
The petition has nearly 300 signatures as of early Friday afternoon.
