A 44-year-old Louisiana woman, a native of Flatwoods, was struck by a number of pickup trucks. Investigators weren’t sure if the woman was actually hit two or three times in a horrific accident that claimed the pedestrian’s life.
The accident occurred in the early evening of Feb. 3. Investigators say the approximate time of the accident was 7:20 p.m., which means that the road would have been dark at the time.
The woman was standing in the northbound lane of Highway 1, just south of the Highway 495 junction, when she was struck by a 2014 Dodge pickup. Almost immediately after, she was struck a second time by a 2006 Ford pickup — despite the driver’s attempt to avoid her. A third truck, a 2000 GMC, may have subsequently run over the victim, although police were still uncertain. The victim died at the scene, and the accident is still being investigated.
Incidents like this bring to the forefront the issues that pedestrians face. In many areas of the country, particularly rural ones, there aren’t well-defined areas for pedestrians to walk. Trying to traverse those areas — especially at night — can expose an individual to terrific danger from passing vehicles.
What that in mind, let’s review some tips for pedestrian safety:
- When walking at night, wear reflective or light-colored clothing.
- Add reflective tape to your shoes, backpack, or jacket for additional visibility.
- Carry a small flashlight to aim to the ground in order to avoid tripping hazards.
- Stay off your phone and keep your attention on your surroundings.
- Use sidewalks and crosswalks whenever possible. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic so you can keep your eye on approaching vehicles.
- Never try to walk home if you’ve been drinking or are under the influence of drugs.
If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident or you were injured, you may be able to claim compensation for your losses — but that won’t undo the damage to your life. Take every possible measure to ensure your safety when you have to walk near traffic.
