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Police crack down on Vancouver crosswalks, intersections

According to ICBC on average, across B.C., crashes where pedestrians where injured increased by over 80 per cent provincewide from July and August to November and December.

Vancouver police are cracking down on pedestrians and drivers at intersections and crosswalks after five pedestrians were killed in traffic collision in recent weeks.

"Over the past 10 years, over 100 people have died on our streets in collisions. So far in 2012, we have had 19 fatals, 11 of which were pedestrians. In the last five weeks alone, we have had five pedestrians die," Insp. Les Yeo said on Friday morning.

Vancouver police reports show 56 per cent of people injured in traffic collisions are pedestrians.

"I have directed my officers to enhance enforcement around pedestrians and drivers at intersections and crosswalks. Reflective wristbands will be available at Vancouver Community Policing Centres to help pedestrians be seen at night."

According to ICBC, crashes where pedestrians were injured increased by over 80 per cent on average provincewide from July and August to November and December.

The public auto insurer is urging people not to wear dark clothing, to cross at crosswalks and to make eye contact with the driver when they're out at night.