Kennewick, Washington – Pedestrian Dies After Getting Struck by Truck at Highway 395

Kennewick, Washington (March 8, 2020) – A pedestrian died after getting struck by a semi truck on Highway 395 near the intersection with Hildebrand Boulevard on Sunday morning. According to the article from KEPR News, the victim, 46 year-old Jeremie J. Mills from Kennewick, walked into the path of the truck. The driver was not reported to be injured in the crash and and was reported to not be charged with any crime as a result of the investigation.

The collision occurred around 11:30 a.m. The truck was heading south on the highway when the victim walked into the truck’s path. The incident caused both southbound lanes of Highway 395 to be blocked, but one lane reopened shortly before 12:30 p.m.

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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