Skagit County, Washington – Pedestrian Killed After Getting Struck Three Times on State Route 20

Skagit County, Washington (November 29, 2019) – A pedestrian was killed after getting struck by three vehicles on State Route 20 west of Alta Vista Road on Thursday night. The victim, reported to be a 48 year-old man from Burlington, died on the scene. The drivers of the vehicles that struck him were not injured in the collisions.

According to the report from the Washington State Patrol, the victim was walking on the westbound lane of State Route 20 when he was struck by the vehicles. The Washington State Patrol responded to the incident around 10:57 p.m. The Washington State Patrol did not report why the victim was in the roadway at the time of the accident.

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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