Laval crosswalk ignored by motorists 'like it's not even there,' local family says
A Laval, Que. family says a crosswalk in front of their house is an accident waiting to happen and that they're afraid for their child's safety.
"It's as if it's not even there," said resident Chris Horrell, who lives near the intersection of Saint-Martin Blvd. W and Dutrisac St.
Also at that location – a crosswalk, which he says is frequently ignored by motorists who breeze through it, even as pedestrians are trying to cross. Horrell says close calls happen all the time.
Steps away, there's a bus stop where his son and his friends wait to catch transit to school. Beyond that, there’s a daycare centre.
"None of the cars stop or acknowledge that they're there trying to cross to go to the bus stop," said Laval resident Rola Chamoun.
- READ MORE: 'Pay attention': Family of struck Montreal 10 year old pleads with motorists to drive safely
According to the Highway Safety Code, drivers and cyclists must yield to pedestrians who are either in a crosswalk or have signalled their intention to cross.
While CTV News was filming on Sunday, the two crossed the street only to be narrowly missed by a black SUV driving through the intersection.
"That's not right,” said Horrell. “I'm sorry, but it's not a question of ‘if’ someone is going to get hit here ... it’s a question of ‘when.’"
He says he and Chamoun have asked the city to install a stop sign, or pedestrian-controlled lights, but that their requests have fallen on deaf ears.
Laval Mayor Stephane Boyer's office did not return CTV News' request for comment on Sunday.
The neighbourhood already had a tragedy strike back in February, 2020, when a 69-year-old woman was hit and killed by a snow removal truck while crossing at the light just one block over
Horrell and Chamoun hope that by speaking up, another tragedy can be avoided.
"Safety is an issue here," said Horrell.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.
NEW A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
'We were vetted': Sex-ed organization 'disappointed' over Higgs' comments
The head of a Quebec-based sexual and reproductive health organization says she's disappointed New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has deemed presentations she did in the province last week inappropriate.
Richard M. Sherman, who wrote songs for 'Mary Poppins' and 'It's a Small World,' dies at 95
Richard M. Sherman, who helped write the songs for 'Mary Poppins,' 'The Jungle Book' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' — as well as the most-played tune on Earth, 'It's a Small World (After All)' — died at 95.
Cyclone floods coastal villages, blows away thatched roofs and cuts power in Bangladesh and India
A cyclone flooded coastal villages, blew away thatched roofs and left hundreds of thousands of people without power Monday in southern Bangladesh and eastern India. At least seven deaths were reported.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.