THEBACHA/FORT SMITH - The Fort Smith RCMP is warning motorists to be careful on winter streets after a 12-year-old girl was struck and injured by a vehicle.

CPl. Scott Young: Motorists must take care on icy streets.

The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the Jan. 4 accident, which occurred at about 3:30 p.m. on McDougal Road. She was taken to the Fort Smith Health Centre for treatment and later to Yellowknife.

Cpl. Scott Young said road conditions at the time of the accident were extremely slippery and icy.

Young said the accident was the result of both the poor road conditions and inattentiveness of the pedestrian who ran in front of the vehicle while crossing the street where there was no crosswalk.

"It was just one of these unfortunate incidents where a young person probably was not paying too much attention and not realizing how slippery the roads were and not realizing that a vehicle can't stop on a dime on icy road conditions," he said.

The female driver of the SUV involved in the accident was not injured, but was shaken up by the incident.

The police are not anticipating criminal charges will be laid as a result of the accident.

"The Fort Smith RCMP are advising motorists and the general public to slow down and drive according to road conditions," Young said. "Most roads are covered with compact snow or ice, which makes it extremely difficult for motorists to stop."

The corporal noted that, even if the speed limit may be 50 km/h, road conditions may be such that just 30 km/h would be a safe speed.

Fort Smith Mayor Janie Hobart said road conditions are poor this the time of year.

"We clear the streets as quickly as we can. We get the sanding crews out there. I believe we are doing everything that we can," she said. "But it is the nature of winter, the fact there is snow and ice on the roads, and people should be slowing down."

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