Enumclaw, Washington – Pedestrian Struck by Car Airlifted to Harborview Hospital

Enumclaw, Washington (April 9, 2018) – A man suffered head, neck and leg injuries after being struck by a car in the 2200 block of Roosevelt Avenue before 4 p.m. He was attended to by the Emunclaw Fire Department, transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital, before being airlifted to Harborview Hospital for treatment. According to the initial investigation of the police, the victim was walking on a marked crosswalk when he was truck by a vehicle driving west on Roosevelt Avenue. The only occupant of the car was the 90 year-old driver who showed no signs of impairment. The driver was cited for a traffic violation.

About Pedestrian Accidents

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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