'Huge increase in traffic' has RCMP urging drivers to be vigilant on P.E.I. roads

Two separate collisions Wednesday evening have police on P.E.I. asking drivers to be more careful.

The first happened around 5 p.m., when someone driving a truck hit a person on a bicycle in Stratford. The cyclist had only minor injuries, and the truck driver stayed at the scene to help.

"This serves as a reminder for all Islanders to be aware of who you are sharing the road with," said Cpl. Gavin Moore, media relations officer for the RCMP.

Officers are still investigating this incident.

The second collision happened after a horse escaped its bridle in a community in Kings County.

The horse got onto the road and was hit by a pickup truck shortly after 8 p.m. The animal did not survive the accident.

The driver involved was not injured, but there was serious damage to the truck, RCMP say.

'Watch out for the unknown'

"I think all Islanders see the huge increase in traffic that we see here in the summertime, as we have tourists and visitors visiting here,"said Moore. "Last night we had two collisions, which were good reminders for Islanders just to be extra vigilant and watch out for the unknown."

He added that it is extremely helpful when witnesses come forward with information about collisions.

"When it comes to cyclists, horses or anything else that is perhaps not what you normally think of on the roadway, it's really important for all of us while we share these roads to be vigilant, to be prepared, and to keep our eye out to react, to give that safety pocket, to slow down and to provide additional safety for everyone on the road," Moore said.