Two teens hurt in Nanaimo crosswalk crash as RCMP warn of rising distraction risks

Driver inattention blamed after Nanaimo crosswalk collision sends two youths to hospital.

A Sunday afternoon walk turned into a frightening scene for two teenagers after they were hit by a vehicle on a Nanaimo, B.C., crosswalk, prompting renewed warnings from police about driver attention behind the wheel.

The collision happened around 5 p.m. on Sunday at the intersection of Departure Bay Road and Bay Street, according to Nanaimo RCMP.

Police say the two youths, aged 13 and 16, were walking when they were struck. Emergency crews, including Nanaimo Fire Rescue and BC Emergency Health Services, responded. Both teens were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital with what officials describe as non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators say the driver, a 40-year-old man driving in a Ford Mustang, stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with police.

“After speaking with the driver, the youths involved, and several witnesses, investigators determined that driver inattention was a contributing factor in the collision. Speed, alcohol, and drugs were ruled out,” Nanaimo RCMP Cont. Gary O’Brien said in a statement.

The driver was given a ticket under the Motor Vehicle Act for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

Nanaimo RCMP are using the incident as a reminder that even a brief distraction can have serious consequences at intersections. Police are urging drivers to slow down, stay focused and scan crosswalks carefully, especially in busy pedestrian areas.

“Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility,” O’Brien said. noting that drivers should be prepared to stop at all marked and unmarked crosswalks.