Shelton, Washington – Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash

Shelton, Washington (January 5, 2020) – A pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run at milepost 342 of Highway 101 on Sunday evening. According to the report from MasonWebTV.com, the victim has been identified as Brian D. Prouty from Shelton. Prouty was reported to have died on scene. The driver is yet to be found.

From the information released by the Washington State Patrol, Prouty was said to have been walking on the shoulder of southbound Highway 101. Just before 8 p.m., a 2003 Chevrolet van left the roadway and struck Prouty. The van then fled the scene. The Mason County Sheriff’s office has found the van later on the same day, but the driver has not been located. Anyone with information on the case is asked to contact the Washington State Patrol. KIRO 7 reported that the crash also caused Highway 101 to be closed between West Dayton Airport Road and East Brockdale Road while investigation was ongoing.

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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