A rash of road accidents involving elderly people has prompted Vancouver police to issue a warning, telling pedestrians to be careful when crossing busy highways.

Careless pedestrians are needlessly getting injured while crossing roads, Vancouver police said Friday.
(CBC)

Due to seasonal weather conditions, police say there is usually a spike in pedestrian accidents at this time of year.

However, Thursday was an exceptionally bad day for accidents in the city.

An 83-year-old man was hit and killed by a city bus while in a crosswalk at 41st Avenue and Dunbar Street on the city's southwest side.

Two 69-year-old women have been hospitalized after being struck by vehicles. One of those accidents occurred at 41st Avenue and Oak Street. The other was at Main Street and Broadway.

Police say at least two of the incidents are attributable to the fact that pedestrians were either jaywalking or attempting to cross the road when the signal said wait.

"People are still being killed and seriously injured on our streets and drivers and pedestrians have a responsibility to be more aware of each other,'' said Const. Jana McGuinness, a spokeswoman for the Vancouver Police Department.

"We feel these are needless, preventable accidents,'' she said.

Pedestrians are advised to protect themselves by wearing bright or reflective clothing.

Drivers are also urged to be extra cautious at a time when the short daylight period and wintry weather limit visibility on busy streets.