Two young children in Montreal were struck in separate accidents, sparking calls for increased vigilance in the city.
The first incident occurred on Monday afternoon in the borough of Saint-Laurent. A 7-year-old boy was hit by a car while crossing the street with his mother. The child was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, but is expected to survive.
Just hours later, a 5-year-old girl was struck by a vehicle in the borough of Verdun. She was also taken to the hospital with serious injuries, but is said to be in stable condition.
These incidents have raised concerns about pedestrian safety in Montreal, with many calling for greater awareness and caution from both drivers and pedestrians.
According to data from the City of Montreal, there were 1,500 pedestrian accidents in 2020, resulting in 17 deaths. This is a slight decrease from the previous year, but still a concerning number.
Mayor Valérie Plante has expressed her condolences to the families of the children and has promised to take action to improve pedestrian safety in the city. She has also urged drivers to be more cautious and to respect speed limits and traffic signals.
In addition, the Montreal Police Service has reminded pedestrians to use designated crosswalks and to always look both ways before crossing the street. They have also urged drivers to be aware of their surroundings and to avoid distractions while behind the wheel.
The incidents have also sparked a conversation about the need for better infrastructure and road design to ensure the safety of pedestrians, especially children.
As the city continues to grow and evolve, it is crucial that measures are taken to prioritize the safety of all road users. It is the responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians to be vigilant and follow traffic laws to prevent tragic accidents like these from happening.
In the meantime, our thoughts are with the families of the two children and we hope for their speedy recovery. Let us all work together to make Montreal a safer place for everyone.
