Pedestrians urged to use crossings after accident

Police are urging pedestrians, particularly older ones, to use pedestrian crossings and controlled intersections after an elderly woman was struck down by a car in Hamilton, leaving her fighting for her life in Waikato Hospital.

Waikato district road policing manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said a 71-year-old woman sustained critical injuries after she was hit by a car at the north end of Victoria St about 11.20am yesterday.

"The incident is still under investigation by the Serious Crash Unit, however it appears the woman has stepped out in front of a car on Victoria St, near the Housing NZ building," Mr Tooman said.

Yesterday's incident in Hamilton was the second time a woman had been struck by a car on Victoria St in a week.

"Last week a 91-year-old woman died crossing Victoria St and now we have this incident," Mr Tooman said.

In Christchurch a woman was yesterday killed after she was hit by a truck in suburban Addington.

"Pedestrians need to ensure they can be seen, they can do this by wearing bright clothing and crossing at lit controlled intersections or pedestrian crossings. Motorists need to drive to the conditions, if there are pedestrians about or its wet they need to slow down."

- NZ Herald staff