Danica Guinto, an employee at a daycare in Kelowna, B.C., was struck by a pickup truck at an intersection on her lunch break on Sept. 12, 2024. She remains in the ICU and faces a long road to recovery. Her colleague, Karli Sanderson, expressed concerns about the intersection at Highway 97 and Burtch Road, stating that it lacks necessary safety features such as advanced left turn signals or more time for pedestrians to cross. Sanderson mentioned that the intersection often experiences a lot of honking from drivers and confusion with merging traffic. She started a GoFundMe campaign for Guinto, which has surpassed its goal due to community and daycare family donations.
Sanderson and her colleagues at the daycare had been worried about the safety of the intersection even before the incident involving Guinto. They observed frequent issues such as drivers not following road rules, improper merging, and honking horns. Sanderson emphasized the need for improved safety features at the intersection to prevent future accidents. The Ministry of Transportation stated that they would review recommendations from the RCMP’s investigation into the incident. Sanderson’s efforts to raise funds for Guinto have been met with an outpouring of support from the community and daycare families, highlighting the impact Guinto has had on those around her.
The Ministry of Transportation responded to the concerns raised about the intersection at Highway 97 and Burtch Road by stating that local staff would review any recommendations from the RCMP’s investigation. This indicates a willingness to address safety issues at the intersection and potentially implement changes to improve conditions for pedestrians and drivers. Sanderson’s call for advanced left turn signals and more time for pedestrians to cross is aligned with the need for enhanced safety measures, considering the high traffic and confusion at the intersection. The community’s support for Guinto through the successful GoFundMe campaign reflects the care and positive impact she has had on numerous families and individuals.
The incident involving Danica Guinto serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for enhanced measures to protect pedestrians and drivers. Sanderson’s firsthand account of the challenges at the intersection sheds light on the everyday risks faced by individuals due to traffic issues and lack of proper safety features. Through community support and fundraising efforts, Guinto’s situation has garnered significant attention and assistance, showcasing the power of collective action in times of crisis. The response from the Ministry of Transportation to review safety recommendations demonstrates a commitment to addressing concerns and potentially making improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The impact of the incident on Danica Guinto, her colleagues, and the community emphasizes the need for proactive measures to enhance safety at high-risk intersections. Sanderson’s initiative in starting a GoFundMe campaign for Guinto not only showcases her care and concern for her colleague but also mobilizes support from the community to aid in Guinto’s recovery. The concerns raised about the intersection at Highway 97 and Burtch Road highlight broader issues related to road safety and the need for improved infrastructure to protect vulnerable road users. By raising awareness and advocating for change, individuals like Sanderson play a crucial role in promoting a safer environment for all road users and preventing future accidents.
