Lynnwood, Washington – Pedestrian Killed After Getting Struck by Pickup Truck at Highway 99

Lynnwood, Washington  (January 31, 2020) – Updated: A pedestrian was killed after getting struck by a pickup truck on Highway 99 at 200th Street Southwest on Friday night. According to the article from KIRO7 News, the victim had been struck while he was crossing the highway. A report released by the Everett Herald on February 4, 2020, stated that the victim has been identified as 14 year-old Deandre Whitaker. The occupants of the truck were not injured in the incident.

Officers from the Lynnwood Police Department was called to the scene around 7 p.m. According to the report, the truck was heading northbound and had the green light when the collision occurred. The driver remained on the scene and cooperated with the police investigation. The incident caused the highway to be closed from the 20200 block of 196th Street Southwest 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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