Lacey, Washington – Woman Injured After Getting Struck by Car in Hit-and-Run

Lacey, Washington(September 30, 2019) – One woman sustained several injuries after getting struck by a car at Pacific Road Southeast and Steilacoom Road Southeast last Monday. The victim, identified as 18 year-old Nyah Hart, was taken to a hospital for treatment of a fractured leg, bruises, road rash, and a possible concussion. As of this week she has been released from the hospital, but will require further treatment for her injuries.

According to the report the crash occurred around 1:40 p.m. on Monday afternoon. The victim was crossing the road when she was struck by a vehicle described to be an early 2000s sedan that is either brown or metallic-colored. The car had the green light at the time of the accident but not the right of way as the victim was on the crosswalk. The collision caused the victim to crash headfirst into the ground, but the vehicle did not stop. Police are currently looking for the driver, and anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.

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.

[cta]