Kent, Washington – Pedestrian Dies After Getting Struck by Vehicle on SR 516

Kent, Washington (December 19, 2019) – Update: A pedestrian died after getting struck by a truck on the eastbound lanes of State Route 516 on early Thursday morning. The victim has been identified as Elizabeth A. Williams from Kent as of December 23. The truck driver was not reported to be injured in the incident and stayed on the scene to cooperate with the investigation.

According to the information from the Washington State Patrol, the crash was first reported around 3:30 a.m. The victim was struck while walking on the right lane of the road, and she died on the scene. Investigators have yet to determine the reason why the woman was on the roadway at the time. Troopers have also reported that the driver did not show nay signs of impairment. The incident temporarily closed the eastbound lanes, but all lanes were reported to have reopened by 6:30 a.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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