Police reported that a Columbus woman was killed following a two-vehicle accident on the east side of Columbus on Wednesday, Aug. 12. According to witnesses, the 54-year-old woman was waiting for a bus under a covered bus stop when the crash sent a vehicle flying into the structure.
Police say an SUV and another car attempted to pull over for a firetruck heading to an accident just after 3:30 p.m. As the vehicles attempted to pull to the side of the road, the SUV and car collided, causing the car to be hurtled into the bus stop, where it collapsed on the woman. She was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no other injuries reported and no charges have been filed against the drivers.
Traffic Dangers To Pedestrians
This tragic accident brings light to the dangers posed to pedestrians who are walking along sidewalks, crossing the street or simply sitting at a bus stop.
According to the Ohio Department of Public Safety, there were 88 pedestrians who lost their lives and 2,277 pedestrians injured in auto accidents in 2013. Nationally, 4,743 pedestrians were killed and 76,000 were injured in 2012, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
That means that there is approximately one crash-related pedestrian death every two hours, and one pedestrian injury every seven minutes.
When faced with a several ton car, pedestrians are more likely to be injured or killed than others involved in the accident. However, there are some things that pedestrians can do to make sure they are seen by motorists:
- Wear bright reflective clothing, especially at night
- Only cross the street at designated crosswalks
- Always walk on the sidewalk unless it is not available, in which case you should walk on the shoulder facing traffic
Auto accidents can lead to serious injuries and death for pedestrians. If you are injured, do not hesitate to contact a personal injury attorney from O’Connor, Acciani & Levy.