New pedestrian safety concerns arise following a tragic accident in Langley
A heart-wrenching incident on Nov. 4, 2024, shook the Langley community when 19-year-old James was struck by a semi-truck at the intersection of Fraser Highway and 264 Street. The young man’s mother, Jaime Dickson, recalls the devastating moments when she learned about her son’s fate after passing by the scene on her way to work.
Recounting the harrowing experience, Dickson shared, “My husband received the dreaded knock on the door that no parent should ever have to face. At the hospital, we were informed of his traumatic brain injury and severed spine. Our dear James was no more.”
Prior to the tragedy, James had raised concerns about the safety of the intersection, prompting his mother to advocate tirelessly for enhanced road safety measures. Dickson highlighted issues like inadequate visibility due to partial blind spots and an excessively low sidewalk that poses risks, especially during sharp right turns made by large vehicles.
Expressing her plea for action, Dickson emphasized the urgent need to raise the sidewalk level to prevent trucks from mounting the curb and endangering pedestrians. The high traffic volume, particularly heavy semi-truck presence, adds to the complexities of the intersection, with 322 reported accidents from 2021 to March of the following year, based on ICBC records.
Despite Dickson’s efforts to raise concerns with the Ministry of Transportation, receiving a response affirming adherence to provincial design standards, the Township of Langley has stepped in to address pedestrian safety concerns by submitting a formal request to the province for improvements in the area.
In her quest for change, Dickson vows to prevent other families from enduring similar tragedies, stating, “I hope no other family experiences the anguish we’ve faced.”
Keyphrase: Langley pedestrian safety