2 pedestrians hospitalized hours after Alberta announces review of Traffic Safety Act

Two pedestrians suffered serious injuries on Calgary streets on the same day theAlberta government revealed it's reviewing the Traffic Safety Act with an eyeto make the provincesafer for walking.

"It's currently underway and it addresses pedestrian safety," Infrastructure Minister Brian Mason said of the review, adding new legislationmay include stiffer penalties.

"We're looking at fines anddemerit points for a variety of traffic violations,including those which involve pedestrians."

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Mason'sremarks camein thelegislature Tuesday, in response to a question fromCalgary-Bow MLA Deborah Drever, who noted that more than 400 pedestrians were struck and injured in Calgary, alone, in 2014.

Across Alberta last year,1,245 pedestrians were injured on roads and highways, according to data from the provincial government.

Another 45 were killed.

Two serious collisions in two hours

The discussion inthe legislature came hours beforetwo more pedestrians were seriously injured in Calgary in strikingly similar circumstances.

Police said a 27-year-oldwoman suffered serious injurieswhen she washit in Midnaporewhile crossing in a crosswalkby a driver who fled the scene.

The suspect vehicle is described asa dark-coloured pickup truck that will likely have noticeable damage on the front, passenger side.

Two hours later, another 27-year-old-womanwas hit in Sunridge, alsowhile crossing in a crosswalk,by a 59-year-old man who was also driving a pickup truck.

She wastaken to hospital in critical condition.

The driver remained at the scene in that case, and police said charges are pending.

Seven deaths this year in Calgary

Seven pedestrians have been killed on city streets in 2015, according to police data.

Seven pedestrians were killed in Calgaryin all of 2014.

Police said there were 413 total pedestrian collisions from January to October 2015, down slightly from 439 during the same period last year.