A tragic weekend on Richmond's roads has prompted local Mounties to warn drivers and pedestrians about their safety.
The death toll in the city for motor vehicle-related fatal accidents this year hit seven after two separate incidents Saturday and Sunday.
The first came around 6:45 p.m. Saturday when a 76-year-old man died after the Toyota Corolla he was driving collided with an Acura Vigor at the intersection of No. 4 Road and Westminster Highway.
The 36-year-old driver of the Acura was treated in hospital for minor injuries and later released.
Both were the sole occupants of their vehicles. Although the investigation is ongoing and it's still not clear who was to blame, police believe speed was a factor in the crash.
Then, on Sunday around 5 p.m., a 62-year-old Richmond woman was struck by a car in the crosswalk at Francis and St. Albans roads. She died in hospital later that evening. The driver of the car that struck the woman remained on scene and cooperated with police.
The investigation into that incident is also ongoing.
"Police remind all members of the public to use caution in the darker winter driving conditions and further urge those out walking to wear bright clothing and take an extra second to ensure they can safely cross the street," Richmond RCMP Cpl. Stephanie Ashton said in a statement late Sunday.
During the Christmas season, police warned, people sometimes tend to be in a rush or distracted.
They are asking people to slow down, be aware of their surroundings, and not take any chances.
