While motor vehicles are a main source of transportation in Pennsylvania and other states across the nation, the reality is that individuals still get around by foot. Whether one is walking to and from their destination, are taking a stroll outside to enjoy the weather or are simply walking from their vehicle to a store, pedestrians are often walking where there is automobile traffic. This creates risks and dangers, and a crash could occur if a motorist is traveling too fast or is distracted.
Fatal pedestrian crash
According to recent reports, a 32-year-old single mother was killed in a pedestrian accident in Selinsgrove. She was staying at a hotel for a week long training for a new job, when one evening she decided to leave the hotel by foot. The area was dark, with no sidewalks and only a few crosswalks.
In an attempt to cross the road on Route 11 near Runyon Road, two vehicles struck her. She did not survive the crash. While it was unclear where she was headed at 9:41 p.m., there was a convenience store near the crash site, so it was suggested that was her destination from her nearby hotel.
Dangerous roadway goes unfixed
Four months prior to this crash, a pedestrian was struck and injured in an accident that occurred on this same stretch of road. In fact, these have not been the only pedestrian accidents in this area, and because of this, it has the reputation of being dangerous among the locals.
This leaves many asking why nothing has been done to fix this issue. The road is state owned; however, PennDOT has not taken any actions to fix it because the township did not ask for it. A leader for the township stated that the municipality was expecting to add crosswalks at each intersection in the area; however, no work has been done because the project has been delayed.
The loss of a loved one is a difficult event to cope with, especially when it occurs unexpectedly due to the negligence of another, whether it is a driver or the township. In these matters, it is important for loved ones of the deceased to understand their rights and options. While nothing can be done to bring back a loved one, a wrongful death action could help address the losses and damages caused by the fatal crash.