One pedestrian was killed and six others were injured on Saturday night in a rash of motor vehicle accidents across Vancouver.

The most severe crash occurred around 5:30 p.m. Saturday, as a 77-year-old man and a 72-year-old woman were crossing Prior Street between Gore and Dunlevy Avenues.

They were struck by a vehicle heading eastbound on Prior. Each sustained multiple serious injuries.

The man later died in hospital, marking Vancouver's 14th traffic-related fatality of 2009.

The woman remains in hospital in critical but stable condition.

The driver is cooperating with police, and investigators do not believe alcohol or speed were factors in the crash.

"This appears to be nothing but a very sad and tragic accident," Const. Lindsey Houghton said.

Houghton said police typically see a spike in pedestrian accidents in November and December.

"This time of year creates the perfect storm for pedestrian-involved collisions."

Shorter daylight hours and rainy weather are factors, Houghton said, as are the increased number of people shopping and attending holiday parties.

Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact police at 604-717-3012.

In light of Saturday's accidents, Vancouver Police have released a set of driver and pedestrian safety tips.

Tips for drivers:

• Always yield to pedestrians at intersections
• Be alert and scan left to right for pedestrians when you approach an intersection, especially if making a right or left turn
• Be prepared to stop. If a vehicle has stopped ahead of you or beside you, they may be yielding to a pedestrian

Tips for pedestrians:

• Be visible. Wear bright or light-coloured clothing, preferably with reflective material
• Put away headphones, cell phones and anything that might draw your attention away from the roadway
• Make eye contact with drivers, don't assume a driver has seen you even if you are in a crosswalk
• Use designated crossing points and follow pedestrian traffic signs and signals