Near Miss at Chinook: A Wake-Up Call for Calgary Drivers

Heads up, Calgary! Just outside Chinook Mall, a careless left turn almost turned into a disaster for a local high school student. It was a close call when a driver failed to yield at a crosswalk, forcing the student to push against the car's hood to avoid being hit. This type of incident is concerning, especially as Calgary experienced an 11-year high for fatal collisions in 2024, with a 225% increase in pedestrian deaths, totaling 13 fatalities. Pedestrian fatalities have been increasing year-over-year since 2021.

It seems not everyone knows the rules of the road when it comes to turning; specifically, studies indicate that when large vehicles like SUVs, vans, minivans, and trucks are turning left, a crash causing a pedestrian fatality is three to four times more likely. This isn't just a fluke; it's a reminder we need to sharpen our driving habits.

As Calgarians, with our bustling shopping hubs like Chinook, which is a high-traffic area and a known concern for pedestrian safety and social disorder, we owe extra caution to protect our community. A new transit safety hub even opened at Chinook Centre in late 2024 to address these very concerns. Always yield, always watch, always care. Failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk can result in an $810 fine and 4 demerit points. Stay safe out there, friends!