Abbotsford police release disturbing video in English and Punjabi to deter distracted driving

VANCOUVER DESI

The Abbotsford Police Department is aiming to send a powerful message about the consequences of distracted driving with the release today of a video showing a collision that took place in the B.C. city on Dec. 10, 2012.

A 64-year-old man was struck while walking across Hillcrest Avenue at Parkview Street. Despite being in a marked crosswalk during daylight hours and walking through an intersection with good sightlines, the man was still launched 50 feet when he was struck by a passenger car.

According to Abbotsford police, the driver of that vehicle remained on scene and cooperated fully with the police investigation. The driver told investigators she was momentarily distracted by glancing at her purse just prior to the collision.

The pedestrian survived the crash but, according to police, still has a long recovery in front of him.

Viewers of the video will also note that the man was not the only pedestrian in the crosswalk at the time of the accident — a woman walking with two children and pushing a stroller were right behind him.

Despite the disturbing contents of the video, Abbotsford police are asking the public to share it with friends and family in order to increase awareness of road safety.

Abbotsford police road safety video (English version)

Abbotsford police road safety video (Punjabi version)

Tags: Abbotsford Police Department, distracted driving, road safety