Boy hit at infamous intersection

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: September 11, 2008

Add Catrina Stone’s name to the growing list of Vernon residents who want to see a four-way stop installed at the intersection of 43rd Avenue and 20th Street. Stone’s reasons are somewhat personal, after her 10-year-old son, Kyle, was struck at the intersection Wednesday afternoon while riding his bike. “I’m frustrated that the city put in a blinking light when there should be a four-way stop there,” said Stone Thursday morning. “There should be stop signs for all traffic near a school zone. There should be a roundabout there, or a four-way stop because it’s close to a school (Harwood Elementary), the BMX track and there are lots of children around.” The intersection has been the focus of much attention and debate since April, when Vernon Taxi cab driver Howard Collins was killed after his cab was t-boned by an alleged drunk driver at 3 a.m.

Since the fatality, there have been several other accidents at the intersection, and Vernon council has flip-flopped on decisions to erect a four-way stop on two occasions, settling for a pedestrian-controlled light, and making improvements to the intersection. The intersection has also fueled numerous Letters to the Editor in The Morning Star. Stone’s son had been riding his bike with some friends, and was northbound on 20th Street at around 3 p.m. According to the Vernon RCMP, the cyclist was looking back when he entered the intersection, then saw a 2000 minivan, driven by a 68-year-old Vernon woman who was heading east on 43rd Avenue. “Both parties swerved to try and avoid each other,” said Vernon RCMP spokesman Gord Molendyk. “Witnesses have said the driver of the van was going slower than the posted limit, and I can confirm that the flashing lights were not activated.” Stone said her son and his friends travel often to the BMX track, and have not gotten used to having to push a button to activate the flashing lights. Stone’s son received some bruising to his hip area, and reported his hip, knees, arm and neck were sore Thursday morning. Fortunately, he had been wearing his helmet when the accident occurred. The boy was taken by ambulance to Vernon Jubilee Hospital, treated for his injuries and released Wednesday. No charges are expected to be laid.