An incident in which a woman was struck by a vehicle outside a nightclub in Civic early today (Sunday, February 21) has prompted ACT Policing to warn pedestrians of the dangers of failing to use appropriate care and attention when crossing a roadway.
Police attended the Northbourne Avenue location, outside the ICBM nightclub, around 12.05am today where witnesses reported that a woman had been struck by a car when crossing the road, and the car has then driven from the location.
The 19-year-old female victim from Acton was conveyed by ambulance to hospital where she is in a stable condition. The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old man from Kaleen, has been interviewed and is co-operating fully with the police investigation. No charges have yet been laid.
Snr Constable Jane Mackenzie, from the ACT Policing Collision Investigation and Reconstruction Team, said that this incident is a reminder to people who visit Canberra’s busy entertainment districts, particularly the Civic area late at night and during the early hours of the morning, that stepping out onto the roadway away from the designated pedestrian crossings carries a high risk.
“This incident could very easily have led to a tragedy,” Snr Constable Mackenzie said.
“While drivers always have a duty of care to take extra caution in areas where there are a lot of pedestrians about, situations where ambient light conditions are low and people are stepping unexpectedly onto the roadway creates the potential for someone to be struck by a car and seriously hurt.”
The incident was witnessed by several people who provided their details to police. However, any witnesses to the incident who may be able to assist the investigation and have not yet spoken to police are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the website www.act.crimestoppers.com.au.