Teenaged girl hit in Vernon crosswalk by alleged drunk driver

A 44-year-old Vernon woman is facing drunk driving charges after hitting a 14-year-old girl in a marked Vernon crosswalk last night.

Police responded to a report of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle shortly before 9 p.m. yesterday, Nov. 3, according to an RCMP press release. It happened at the intersection of 43 Avenue and 20 Street in Vernon.

Officers arrived to find members of ambulance paramedics providing medical attention to the 14-year-old girl.

Their investigation determined the teenager was crossing 43 Avenue in a marked crosswalk when she was struck by a vehicle turning left from 20 Street.

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The victim’s injuries were described by RCMP as non-life-threatening.

The investigating officer “formed the suspicion the woman’s ability to drive was impacted by alcohol” while speaking with her and demanded a breath sample, the release says. The woman’s breath sample resulted in a “fail” on the roadside screening device. She was banned from driving for 90 days and her car will spend 30 days in the impound.

“There’s no excuse for impaired driving,” Const. Chris Terleski said in the press release. “Incidents such as this are entirely preventable. If you are going to consume intoxicating substances, be responsible and always plan ahead and have a safe, sober ride home.”

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