A Monday accident involving a pedestrian claimed the life of a 74-year-old man, local news outlets have reported. The tragic collision took place in Kent as the driver fled the authorities.
According to a series of news reports, the driver behind the wheel of a Dodge vehicle was traveling in the northbound lanes of I-5 near State Route 516 when a Washington State Patrol trooper pulled him over for traveling at 95 mph.
After providing the trooper with false personal information, the driver sped away, exiting 1-5 at the South 200th Street exit. As the driver exited, he struck a 74-year-old man from SeaTac. The victim was walking near 220th Street and Military Road when the accident happened.
After hitting the pedestrian, the driver crashed into a tree.
After the collision, the victim was rushed to the hospital for treatment. He eventually died due to his injuries.
Officials said the 32-year-old driver fled the scene on foot. According to witnesses, the driver attempted to hide after the crash.
Pedestrian Accident Rates Remain High In Washington
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, state officials recorded 88 deadly pedestrian accidents in 2016. In 2017, 109 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents, a 23.9% increase. Because the number marked a 30-year high for Washington State, officials recommended a series of changes to the legislature. However, rule changes alone won’t put an end to pedestrian accidents. We must all act responsibly and remember that driving recklessly puts lives in jeopardy.
Hopefully, this accident will serve as a reminder that the drivers’ duty is to operate their vehicles safely and follow traffic regulations. Respecting traffic signals, stopping at intersections, and obeying speed limits all help to make roads safer.
In order to lower the rates of deadly pedestrian accidents, we must all work together.
For more on this tragic accident, follow this link.
