Photo by Whitehorse Star

Young person struck on Second Avenue

Whitehorse RCMP responded to a call of a young person being struck by a vehicle while crossing Second Avenue last Saturday.

By Whitehorse Star on December 4, 2019

Whitehorse RCMP responded to a call of a young person being struck by a vehicle while crossing Second Avenue last Saturday.

The incident occurred nine days after a man was killed while trying to cross another part of Second Avenue.

An RCMP spokesperson said police attended Saturday’s scene at 5:15 p.m. The young person was hit while crossing Second Avenue near the A&W restaurant.

Police confirmed that the youth suffered minor injuries. The owner of the vehicle provided a statement to police.

No further details were available as the investigation continues.

On Nov. 21, Merle Gorgichuck, 48, died shortly after he was hit by a southbound vehicle while he was using the crosswalk at the corner of Second Avenue and Elliott Street.

Comments (37)

Up 3 Down 0

Max Mack on Dec 10, 2019 at 10:58 am

@ally
Penticton has major thoroughfares that bypass the downtown core, within blocks of the core. This is not a fair comparison to Whitehorse where all major thoroughfares in the downtown area are constrained between the clay cliffs and the river. Lowering the speed limit on 4th will simply result in congestion.

The only way to bypass downtown in Whitehorse is via South Access. That adds about 20 minutes round-trip.

Up 3 Down 5

D. Rone-Laws on Dec 10, 2019 at 10:06 am

Drones are the answer - There should be drones that police our driving corridors and other public spaces. Speeding along 2nd - They could EMP your vehicle to a stop and instantly debit your account and assign you demerit points. Over the point threshold - License gone now. To the next bus you go.

Domestic disturbance in the streets - A drone could hover overhead and provide the caution - If the perps persist and electric shock to make them desist. The police could then become the cleanup crew - Cleanup on aisle 4 in the Alexander section please.

Boom, done... In very short order you will have people smarten up - Technological public-shamings would bring in huge revenues in the short-term. We could do away with much of the Courts and everyone would be equal before the law - Sorry, we don’t care what you are - It’s not the colour of your skin or the DNA in the databank that matters, it’s your behaviour that does...

I mean c’mon - You have all come this far handing over your freedoms... What is another step or two? Perhaps everyone could be implanted with a third eye that looks out into the world and records everything you see so in your moments of injustice you can Review, Rage and Retribute! Wait a minute... You’re all doing so well with this already - George is proud.

Up 4 Down 2

Okanagan Transplant on Dec 10, 2019 at 8:51 am

@Ally; your Penticton example is a good one, but a little out of context. As someone who was born in the Okanagan, Penticton is a population of 37,000 plus ppl. This population explodes to over 100,000 in summer. Hence the lowered down town speed limit. But what they also have are ONE WAY down town streets. Which would really help us out in Whitehorse. Also get rid of the 2 expanded bike lanes on the bridge, make it 3 lanes that are volume-directional. Two lanes out (of RD) in the AM, Two lanes in in the PM. This worked like magic at clearing up rush traffic in and out of Kelowna for years until the recent bridge upgrade.

Up 4 Down 24

Marie R on Dec 8, 2019 at 7:48 pm

On 2 nd Ave and 4th Ave by Main Street they need round abouts put there, like they have on the axis road.

Up 9 Down 9

Yukon Justice on Dec 8, 2019 at 9:08 am

If the people responsible for the City's roads and traffic did their job we would have safer streets.

Up 18 Down 7

ally on Dec 7, 2019 at 7:07 pm

Ever been to Penticton? Most of the streets in their downtown core is 30km/h. Why, in probably the most pedestrian heavy part of the Yukon (that being downtown Whitehorse), do we have 60 and 50km/hr zones? It makes no sense to me, especially with that type of speed limit all along 2nd and 4th downtown and also in consideration of driving thru both intersections on Main st. Further, I have been in disbelief watching people run red lights on Main street, changing lanes at intersections, and just generally, being ignorant that driving is a privilege, not a right. Lower the speeds and let's see increased enforcement of the speed limit and safe driving practices.

Up 25 Down 0

Lights on Dec 6, 2019 at 3:44 pm

Better lighting would also help so much. Every dark winter morning we do the gauntlet that is 2nd Avenue and everyone in the car is on guard for pedestrians but you really can't see that well. Thank you to everyone that actually puts reflective tape or wears lights/blinkers! At the intersections that do have a light - the lighting is dim. Most don't have a light shining down where a pedestrian would be standing waiting to cross. LIGHT UP THOSE CROSSWALK/INTERSECTIONS. It's too hard to see (especially with on-coming headlights etc.).

Up 11 Down 7

woodcutter on Dec 6, 2019 at 1:50 pm

There are lots of good comments and Yes Mandeep , I was thinking about you and how you had raised this issue and here it is.

Perhaps if we made the rules of the road like it's in many parts of the world and that is there is none, then everyone would know that to cross a busy road you need to keep your head on a swivel and you need to move fast and you need to time your crossing perfect. Not only do you get to the other side, but you have an Indiana Jones feeling after successfully crossing. It really is quite invigorating.

Up 34 Down 3

HML on Dec 6, 2019 at 12:47 pm

Pedestrians should be looking both ways before they are crossing and not talking or texting on their phones. I see that all the time. People are definitely right about speeding on 2nd Avenue. It goes both ways, drivers and pedestrians have to respect each other.

Up 23 Down 2

Bandit on Dec 6, 2019 at 9:06 am

@ Judy McMurphy
If I am not mistaken the unfortunate accident with the mobility scooter was caused by the scooter not being unable to navigate the curb cuts due to the absence of snow clearing, it was dark and the scooter was on the road and the driver was not speeding, she was a senior caught up in an unfortunate circumstance.

Up 31 Down 1

Frankly My Dear on Dec 6, 2019 at 8:49 am

If we are talking about speed......Hamilton Blvd is open season when comes to adhering to speed limits.

Up 28 Down 3

Dietmar Tramm on Dec 5, 2019 at 6:58 pm

Regardless of the circumstances that led to the young person getting hit by a car in this story, this paper has featured the particular issue of speeding a number of times during the recent past. To no avail. Second Avenue endures as one of several racing tracks in the city, especially during the early morning hours on my way to work. And regardless, there persists a nonchalant attitude by law enforcement agencies, a baffling unwillingness or an inability to crack down on speeding drivers. Ergo, the casualties mount.

Up 26 Down 6

jc on Dec 5, 2019 at 5:34 pm

Lisa and Jordan. Building overhead walkways isn't a very bright idea. Have you considered that to get the top of the overhead, you would have to climb a number of stairs and walk down those stairs at the other side. Can you also imagine what those stairs would be like with several inches of snow and ice on them? Invent another solution. That one really $uck$

Up 17 Down 6

Lorenzo on Dec 5, 2019 at 4:55 pm

Pedestrians are in danger in this town, I got my toes run over as I was crossing with the walk signs on and I got cut off by a bi*ch making a right hand turn even tho I had the walk sign !

Up 23 Down 6

Judy McMurphy on Dec 5, 2019 at 3:59 pm

I have lived in the Yukon for years and can remember at least four incidents involving pedestrians and vehicles on Second Avenue. One was a gentleman who was crossing the cross walk just after CIBC and was hit by a large truck who then proceeded to drag him about a block, the cause being that the driver was speeding. Then of course Margaret Woods who I believe again was hit by another person speeding, and also the young lady who was down by or around CIBC and was crossing the street to meet her friend who I believe was getting married that weekend and was, you guessed it, struck down by still another driver speeding because this person was late for work. Oh and let us not forget the unfortunate woman who was on her mobility scooter and crossing at the crosswalk around the Westmark hotel and unfortunately met her demise by another speeding driver.
I am imploring to the powers that be that some solution or solutions need to be implemented immediately for everyone's safety and well being. Thank you.

Up 24 Down 8

No laughing matter on Dec 5, 2019 at 3:46 pm

I hope the young girl is okay. I think that no left turns on Second Ave during rush hours would really increase throughout. Drivers then would slow down maybe knowing that they were going to get through and not be in such a frenzy. Pedestrians, what happened to point your way to safety as a city policy?

Up 35 Down 2

Charlie's Aunt on Dec 5, 2019 at 2:42 pm

I agree driving speed is out of control in Whitehorse, couldn't believe the speed of some going up Two Mile Hill during supposed evening rush hour last week. That being said, to me the biggest problem with pedestrian accidents is two lane traffic. Numerous times I have been scared to stop and allow a responsible person standing & waiting for traffic to stop before they cross. I always worry that if I stop some lunatic in either other lane will roar pass and hit the person who has happily waved and thanked me for stopping. Some drivers in this town must assume others stop just to have a mid traffic snack. It's not a left turn issue either, If people use their turn signals it should be obvious they are waiting to turn left, and drivers in the center lane are just as guilty if they roar past.

Up 38 Down 0

Miles Epanhauser on Dec 5, 2019 at 2:38 pm

More basic traffic regulation enforcement please.

Up 51 Down 4

Michelle on Dec 5, 2019 at 11:49 am

I agree that pedestrians need to stop, look and wait for the traffic to stop before crossing but we also have a problem with drivers in this city. There is too many people speeding and running red lights. We need dedicated traffic police in the downtown area and maybe some traffic camera's at intersections.

While I am at it, there are too many people driving with only one headlight, or no headlights or with only their driving lights on. In case you did not know, when relying on your driving light, your tail lights do not come on. When it is dark, ensure your proper lights are on and working. This makes it easier for other drivers and pedestrians to see you.

Up 35 Down 10

Politico on Dec 5, 2019 at 10:26 am

And god knows we wouldn't want the laws enforced on our roads. Too many drivers would get upset because they own the road and all the peds and bicyclist better stay out of the way!

Up 27 Down 9

Anne on Dec 5, 2019 at 9:21 am

The scariest part is where drivers are attempting to turn left at uncontrolled intersections, leaving the drivers in the second lane uncertain whether the left lane is stopped for a pedestrian or to turn left.
Maybe it's time that Whitehorse grows up a bit and prohibits left turns at uncontrolled intersections on 2nd Avenue. Either that or redesign the street to include turning lanes like the ones on 4th Ave, where there is no question about the driver's reason for stopping.

Up 37 Down 14

Matthew on Dec 5, 2019 at 6:41 am

It's just as much pedestrians responsibility as the drivers.. don't walk in the road just by simply waving your hand. I see it DAILY driving downtown. Walk the road without even looking, most likely wanting to get hit, to sue the driver and not work another day..

Up 10 Down 40

Lisa on Dec 4, 2019 at 11:38 pm

Why doesn't the city put up a couple of those bridges that people can walk through over the street. Seems like an easy solution that would save lives.

Up 13 Down 42

Jordan on Dec 4, 2019 at 11:07 pm

They need to install a few pedestrians bridges over Second Ave., as to not slow down traffic and make it 100% safe for pedestrians. Everyone wins.

Up 42 Down 1

Gayle Moffatt on Dec 4, 2019 at 9:14 pm

I agree with Dean LaRue. Hit the bad drivers where it hurts. In the pocket book. We don't need slower speeds we need to enforce the speeds that are there. Also flashing lights like at Wal Mart would be wonderful. Without lights you don't know if someone is stopped in one of 4 lanes to turn or if there is a person crossing.

Up 26 Down 7

charles Meyer on Dec 4, 2019 at 8:19 pm

This happens to me all the time on Main Street and 4th Ave., to go to the Bank.
I wait for my signal to cross 4th Ave. Before I can step off the curb, the car on Main street turning on 4th cut me right off. And then I see a Hand gesture signaling to me, I am sorry I did not see you.
Yes, you did see me. I know. You just don't give a ....I leave the next Word out.
I have considered two Options.
One is to step in front in front of the car and put my fist on the hood and smile.
Second option is to walk in front of it and get hit and sue the hell out of the offenders.
I'm not sure which way to go.
I have been a defensive driver all my life, and now I have to be a defensive pedestrian.
REALLY!

Up 27 Down 6

Lawrence on Dec 4, 2019 at 8:15 pm

Whitehorse drivers please slow down.

Up 17 Down 9

Lawrence on Dec 4, 2019 at 8:14 pm

What is the friggen rush in this one horse town ffs , I hate driving in this town where vehicles outnumber pedestrians 10-1

Up 29 Down 4

Krissy Brown on Dec 4, 2019 at 7:26 pm

This did not happen on Saturday it was the Friday, during the work commute home. The bus my best friend was riding on her way home from work stopped there to help the poor girl to the side of the road as she was laying in the middle of the road.

RCMP could absolutely make a killing ($) in ticketable offenses on any given day, anytime between the hours of 7 am to midnight at any given intersection down 4th Avenue and 2nd Avenue.

I worked on 4th avenue near the intersection that crosses Ogilvie and the amount of accidents and near accidents I saw per day was sickening! And these are anywhere from "regular people" to RCMP officers, school buses, city taxis, the handi-bus, shuttle services, you name it, they did it - and I NEVER saw ANY of these get stopped by any RCMP cruiser to be dealt with.

Up 34 Down 2

Jim on Dec 4, 2019 at 7:13 pm

The problem on 2nd is not that unusual when compared to any other city where you have a major 4 lane street running through the heart of the city. You wouldn’t think of stepping out on a busy 4 lane street in Edmonton unless there was a traffic control.
Put traffic lights at 2 block intervals with cross traffic pressure switches and pedestrian push buttons. Surely walking 2 blocks is not that big of an inconvenience to be able to cross safely.
4 lanes of traffic will never be safe with just painted crosswalks. But Whitehorse is getting to the size that it needs multiple lane streets. Just look at the mess on 4th avenue when it was reduced to single lane. That actually made second avenue busier as 4th avenue traffic moved much slower. Reducing the speed limit by 10k won’t do much if anything as a pedestrian would still be seriously injured or killed at 40km.

Up 32 Down 8

Peter Mulcahy on Dec 4, 2019 at 5:59 pm

SPEED is the biggest factor in all the ACCIDENTS in this town
Only aprox 40 thousand people in Yukon Territory
6 people killed in a 1km square in the downtown area
I've installed a camera
To protect me
I'm the person who drives the SPEED LIMIT and watch

SCARY PEOPLE LIVE HERE!!!!

Up 16 Down 11

Len Tran on Dec 4, 2019 at 5:58 pm

Maybe is 4th ave was changed back into a 4 lane road like it should be it would reduce all around congestion downtown, during the entirety of rush hour you barely see anyone trying to turn, they are all trying to get home...

Up 40 Down 8

jc on Dec 4, 2019 at 5:41 pm

Not sticking up for the drivers that hit pedestrians, but pedestrians have to take some responsibility too. They must look both ways while crossing. Don't just take for granted that all traffic is going to stop. I have seen people just walking on the road on 2nd Ave coming from the 98 and don't look. Just jump into the roadway. We have a lot of pot smokers on the road now. Their concentration is limited. And they're dangerous. And for drivers, it is illegal to pass another vehicle in a cross walk.

Up 53 Down 11

Mandeep Sidhu on Dec 4, 2019 at 4:08 pm

Weird, when I mentioned it... it was a low blow comment. City has had a problem for years; go ask for the numbers of people that have been struck. Response has been bigger signs + failing solar powered led's.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/whitehorse-mayor-debate-chamber-1.3262717

Up 66 Down 3

David on Dec 4, 2019 at 2:45 pm

Unfortunately this is not surprising. 2nd Ave is down right dangerous.

Up 92 Down 7

Dean LaRue on Dec 4, 2019 at 2:42 pm

The Police could make $50,000 / day if they ticketed the red light runners,
cross walk crashers and cell phone yappers on THUNDER ROAD (Second Avenue)
between noon and 5 PM.

Up 34 Down 1

BnR on Dec 4, 2019 at 2:12 pm

1-Posted speed limits are maximum in ideal conditions
2-Make distracted driving (cell phone use) the same as impaired driving.
3-Enforce the laws. Repeat, enforce the laws.

Add your comments or reply via Twitter @whitehorsestar

In order to encourage thoughtful and responsible discussion, website comments will not be visible until a moderator approves them. Please add comments judiciously and refrain from maligning any individual or institution. Read about our user comment and privacy policies.

Your name and email address are required before your comment is posted. Otherwise, your comment will not be posted.