LOWER MAINLAND (NEWS1130) – A dark and stormy night in Metro Vancouver is spelling trouble on the roads.

There were at least five pedestrians hit within a few hours.

Two people suffered injuries that aren’t serious in collisions at 72 Ave. and 124 St., and 188 St. and 58 Ave. in Surrey. No injuries were reported after a pedestrian was hit pm Ewen Ave. in New Westminster. Another person suffered very minor injuries in an incident in Maple Ridge at Dewdney Trunk Road and 202 St. There was another reported crash on Prior Street in Vancouver.

Surrey RCMP Cpl. Alexandra Mulvihill says drivers just aren’t getting the message. “They need to be aware of anyone coming out of side streets, in between driveways, alleys, in between parked cars. Really, everyone just needs to be cautious and watch where they are going and who’s around them.”

She says the responsibility needs to be shared by walkers and those behind the wheel. “I think there’s an onus on both drivers and pedestrians to ensure everyone is being seen. We’re seeing a lot of pedestrians out with dark clothing, umbrellas, and not paying attention to their surroundings. This goes for drivers too.”
    
Last Wednesday, there were seven pedestrian accidents involving eight people in a 24-hour period.

News1130 spoke with pedestrians to see if their making an extra effort to be seen at night.

We found people we able to recite what they need to be wearing.

“Reflective shoes and bright clothing,” describes one man. “I like bright clothing, something like that. I have reflectors on the stroller,” said a woman.

But we found only two people were actually wearing the proper safety gear, and they worked for the City of Vancouver and transit.

What was the most common excuse for not wearing bright, reflective clothing? “I’m coming home from work.”