Spokane, Washington – Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run

Spokane, Washington (January 6, 2020) – Update: A pedestrian was killed after getting struck by a hit-and-run driver  on East Spokane Falls Boulevard and North Hamilton Street on Monday night. According to the report from The Spokesman-Review, responding emergency crews attempted lifesaving efforts, but unfortunately the victim died on the scene. As of a report on January 9, Thursday, the victim has been identified as Michael Donahey, and the Spokane County Medical Examiner has identified the cause of death as an aortic rupture due to blunt impact to the chest.

According to the report, crews were called onto the scene just before 8:30 p.m. Witnesses of the accident directed police in the direction where the suspect fled, and officers found the suspect’s vehicle abandoned a mile away. The driver remains at large, and anyone who has information on the crash is encouraged to call the Spokane Police.

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.

[cta]