pedestrian hit

Two pedestrians have already been killed in hit-and-runs so far this year in Toronto

Following a year that saw 42 pedestrian deaths in Toronto, 2020 is already shaping up to be just as dangerous on the city's streets.

Two residents were killed over the year's first weekend while crossing roads — one, a 65-year-old man in the downtown core, and one a 16-year-old girl in Brampton. Both drivers fled the scene.

The first victim, currently unnamed, was struck on Jarvis between Gerrard and Dundas Street East around 10 p.m. on Saturday night.

The latter victim, identified as Torontonian Dianna Manan, was hit on Queen Street near Cherrycrest Drive in Brampton just past 12:15 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Both were rushed to local hospitals and later pronounced dead.

The city has made road safety for pedestrians and cyclists a priority in recent months, with efforts ranging from reducing speed limits to the much-criticized distribution of reflective arm bands among seniors

But still, we are nowhere near Mayor John Tory's Vision Zero goal of no preventable road fatalities.

Many wonder if Toronto was inherently designed for cars, with little attention paid to pedestrian safety.

Others are noting a lack of proper enforcement by police, whether it be that motorists are not being properly penalized for unsafe driving or that there are simply not enough officers dedicated to traffic enforcement in the city's bounds.

The seeming sense of apathy about the issue doesn't help, either.

Police are seeking the help of anyone who may have witnessed either hit-and-run, or who has any additional information.


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

An invasive insect is threatening the destruction of Ontario forests

Ontario ranked the angriest province in all of Canada and no one is surprised

Viral 'attenzione pickpocket' trend has landed in Toronto

Shocking viral video shows Toronto woman getting robbed in broad daylight

Toronto woman tries to rescue group of adorable ducklings on DVP

Surprise TTC subway closure sends Toronto into rush hour chaos

Highly-resistant 'super lice' are taking over Canada and here's what you need to know

New Toronto neighbourhood will have a street where cars are banned