Within the past week, several accidents involving pedestrians being struck by vehicles causing injuries and even deaths have been in Boston area news.
On Saturday, January 28, a 65 year old man was struck on Route 1 in Attleboro while trying to cross the intersection at Scott Street. A car traveling in the southbound lane on Washington Street struck and killed the pedestrian at approximately 5:55 p.m. The driver was taken to Sturdy Memorial Hospital for minor injuries.
On Tuesday morning, a woman was struck and killed on Burgin Parkway, in front of the Quincy Center T Stop. She was struck by a vehicle after allegedly walking into traffic. This woman was the third person within the last month to be hit by a vehicle while in a crosswalk in Quincy. A few days earlier, another pedestrian was crossing a street near the Wollaston T Stop and was hospitalized for injuries. A week before that accident, an elderly woman was killed while in a crosswalk in front of her home.
On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, a 70 year old man was hit while crossing at an intersection on Seaver Street in Stoughton, Massachusetts. He was crossing Seaver Street near Caper Street when he was hit by a pick up truck.
Most shockingly, a hit and run case in Saugus, Massachusetts has a suspect after two years with no leads and no arrests. The accident occurred on January 28, 2010. An 81 year old man of Saugus was struck and killed walking across the street near his home. He was trying to cross the street from his home to his family restaurant. The driver left the scene and the victim died about 3 hours after the accident at a nearby hospital. The suspect has been arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury that resulted in death two years after the accident.
Unfortunately accidents like these occur all too often. According to the National Safety Council, 5,900 pedestrians are killed every year and 85,000 pedestrians suffer from nonfatal injuries. Police urge pedestrians to be more careful when crossing Massachusetts busy streets and hope to launch a new safety campaign within Massachusetts cities.
Some Tips for Pedestrians
• Remember to use sidewalks where they are available and cross streets at crosswalks. If there are no sidewalks, it is safer to walk facing road traffic.
• Try to make it possible for drivers to see you. Dressing in light and bright colors or wearing reflective clothing will help drivers to become aware that you are there especially where no sidewalks are provided. If possible, carry a flashlight while walking in the dark.
• Make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they see you.
• Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to walk safely, just like they do a person's ability to drive.
• Pay close attention when crossing a multi-lane or high speed road. Drivers will not be able to stop as quickly so leave plenty of space between you and the car coming at you before crossing.
Drivers also need to be more aware of pedestrians in the roads. It is important to remember to always look before turning, pedestrians may be in your intended path. Slow down if you have poor visibility such as fog, rain, snow or in the dark. Drivers should always pay close attention to the road. Driver should not use cell phones, text, play with the radio or do any other distracting activity while driving.
AS Pedestrian Accident Attorneys fighting for the rights of pedestrians hit by vehicles in the Boston area, we understand how pedestrian accidents can affect the lives of the victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident call an experienced Boston attorney at Sheff Law at 617-227-7000 or 888-423-4477 (toll free) to schedule a free of charge initial consultation.
Somerset man killed while crossing Rte. 1 in Attleboro, MyFoxBoston
Pedestrian hit by car in Stoughton, Patriot Ledger
