Pedestrian Killed in Truck Accident on Highway 99
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno truck accident lawyer. Authorities are trying to find out why a man walked in front of a big rig on Highway 99 on October 26. An investigation is underway into the matter.
Accident Details
According to a spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol (CHP), a semi was heading south on Highway 99 at approximately 1:30 a.m. when a man, as yet unidentified, suddenly appeared in the truck’s path. The truck driver, Royal McCoy, 32, a resident of Florida, said the man traveled down an embankment near Bardsley Avenue on foot and onto the highway. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the site of the accident.
An investigation into the reason the man entered the path of the truck is ongoing. It is not known if drugs or alcohol were involved. Officials have asked that if anyone has information about the man or witnessed the accident to please contact the CHP at their Visalia office.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends of the deceased pedestrian during this difficult time.
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian fatalities make up 25 percent of all roadway deaths in California. This represents an increase of 8 percent from 2007. In Tulare County where this accident occurred, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) said that the number of pedestrians injured or killed in 2015 was 2,014. Pedestrians under 15 years of age who were injured or killed numbered 19, while 14 of those killed were over 65.
California Pedestrian Safety Campaign
The OTS instituted a new program, “Pedestrians Don’t Have Armor,” urging motorists to be cautious and stressing that pedestrian safety is a responsibility pedestrians share with drivers. In an initiative supported by Caltrans and the DMV to make all state residents more aware of pedestrian safety, the OTS supplied the following data for 2105:
- 12,000 pedestrian were injured
- 813 pedestrians died
- Pedestrian deaths in California are 25 percent higher than the rest of the United States
Driver Safety Tips
Pedestrians are defined as anyone traveling on foot but can include those using skateboards or roller skates. Disabled persons using a wheelchair or quadricycle are also considered pedestrians. Pedestrians rely on their senses to know that a motor vehicle is approaching. Drivers of electric vehicles should take even greater precautions since there is little operational noise to alert pedestrians. Blind pedestrians rely mostly on sound and are particularly at risk. It is important to remember the following:
- Don’t speed: It makes it harder to stop if a pedestrian enters the road.
- Be careful of distractions: Using a cell phone or texting can make a driver unaware of their surroundings.
- Don’t drink or use drugs and get behind the wheel.
- Avoid passing in crosswalks: Passing another vehicle in the crosswalk may make it impossible for you to see a pedestrian entering the road. Wait your turn.
- Be particularly careful of seeing pedestrians when the weather is bad or it is dark out.
- Yield to pedestrians at intersections or crosswalks. They have the right of way.
- Pedestrians will make eye contact with a driver before they cross. Be aware of this.
- Give pedestrians ample time to cross, especially the disabled, elderly, and those with small children.
- Stop five feet from the crosswalk.
Pedestrian Safety Tips
Pedestrians should keep the following in mind when heading out:
- Be visible: Pedestrians must remember they are hard to see, particularly at night. Wear bright or reflective clothing and use a flashlight.
- Maintain sobriety.
- Don’t talk on a cell phone or text: You won’t be as alert to the things around you.
- Be alert for turning vehicles: Remember not everyone will use their signals.
- Check the road twice before entering.
Pedestrian Injuries
Pedestrians suffer greater injuries due to their lack of protection and catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injury or loss of limbs are common. Speed is a factor, and a vehicle traveling at a higher speed will likely do more damage. Being thrown to the ground can cause fractures, particularly a femur fracture, often with a concomitant pelvic fracture. Fatalities are common when a large vehicle is involved, such as a semi-trailer.
Fresno Truck Accident Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Fresno truck accident lawyer. If you or someone you love has been injured or even killed by the negligent actions of another party, please reach out to me at (559) 377-7676 or (800) 404-5400 for compassionate, free, and friendly advice. I am also available online via my website, AutoAccident.com.
I’ve helped many Northern Californians and Fresno residents since 1982 with traumatic injury cases and wrongful death claims. Turn to my reviews on Google, Avvo and Yelp for mre information about me and my practice.
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