Kapowsin, Washington – Pedestrian Dies after Getting Struck on State Route 161

Kapowsin, Washington (November 11, 2019) – A woman died from injuries she sustained when she was struck by a truck on State Route 161 near 317th Street on Monday evening. She had been struck by the passenger side window of the truck, which caused her to be knocked into the right shoulder of the road. She was reported to have been taken to Tacoma general Hospital, but was pronounced dead.

The accident occurred around 9:30 p.m. The victim was walking close to the highway’s fog line when she was struck by a southbound truck. The driver stayed on the scene and called 911. The Washington State Patrol has stated that the driver is not expected to be facing any charges in the incident.

About Pedestrian Accidents

We offer our sympathies and compassion for the friends and loved ones of the victim. Unfortunately, as shown in this case, pedestrians are at also risk while on the streets, with the National Center for Health Statistics estimating 7, 450  pedestrian deaths in 2017. Pedestrian accidents can fall under traffic or non-traffic depending on the location where they were struck. Traffic incidents happen on public roads, while non-traffic incidents occur on non-traffic areas such as driveways, parking lots and other private property. Most pedestrian deaths occur in urban settings, on urban roads (72%) versus on intersections (18%), and mostly at night. Much like motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents can happen simply because people are not as visible as other vehicles, a problem which is worse during night. And in an event of a car crash, similar to motorcycle drivers and passengers, the risk to pedestrians are greater than those inside a car, with fatality rate being 1.5 times greater than any car passenger.When it comes to risk, older adults, children, and alcohol-impaired drivers or pedestrians are at most risk in pedestrian accidents. The risk is further heightened in a situation where a vehicle is at high speed. Lately, distractions also cause accidents not only for drivers, but also pedestrians, specifically those who are using their phones while crossing the road. We urge everyone to exercise area awareness at all times and to keep their attention on the road. Avoiding accidents not only prevents loss, damage, injuries and death to one’s self, but also on other people in the surroundings.

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