As police investigated a one-car crash on Meadowbrook State Parkway, another driver struck a pedestrian just down the road. According to WNBC, Michael Patterson was walking near his car when he was hit and killed by a motorist driving a SUV.
Driver also hit two police cars
The driver then collided two police vehicles. One state trooper received minor injuries. The driver was also hospitalized, but his injuries were not considered life threatening.
It was not immediately clear why Patterson had gotten out of his vehicle.
The crash is being investigated
The police are investigating the crash. They are trying to determine if heavy rain may have been a factor in both accidents.
Pedestrian fatalities are on the rise
Fatal pedestrian accidents continue to be all too common in the U.S. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), almost 6,000 pedestrians were hit and killed by automobiles in 2017. For kids ages 5 to 19, being hit by a vehicle while walking is the fifth leading cause of death.
It may be partly caused by distracted walking
The NSC suggests part of increase in pedestrian deaths is due to distracted walking. Not only is using a cellphone while driving dangerous, it can also be deadly while walking.
When people have their heads down looking at their phones, they are less aware of what is going on around them. They could miss a hole in the sidewalk, or they may not notice a car speeding toward them.
Pedestrian safety tips
As a pedestrian, you are incredibly vulnerable. You have no protection from any motor vehicles you encounter. Here are some tips to help keep yourself safe as a pedestrian:
- The adage is to look both ways before crossing a street, but the NSC recommends you look left, right and then left again. A car can drive pretty far in a short amount of time.
- Do not rely on a car to stop.
- Try to make eye contact with a driver moving toward you.
- Do not use a cellphone or other electronic device.
- Cross at crosswalks.
- Kids under the age of 10 should cross with an adult.
Walking can be wonderful exercise, and it is good for the environment. Remember as a pedestrian, you must exercise extra caution. Try to make a car see you before crossing a busy road, and remember to look left twice.
