Police Notice More Walkers Hit by Vehicles

Tools

Story Published: Dec 9, 2009 at 12:12 AM PDT

By Stacy Lilienthal

Watch the story
YAKIMA --- Three pedestrians were hit in Yakima Tuesday. It's something the police say they're noticing more of lately.

The three women were hit in two different areas of town. "As soon as this came out I looked at the clock and thought the traffic was going to be horrible," Yakima Sheriff's Office Lieutenant, Brian Winter explained of the bad timing. About 5:00, just as people were getting off work a 54-year-old was crossing 33rd off Terrace Heights and was hit by a truck. The driver had a green light and was turning. She was taken to the hospital and was expected to be okay. But the traffic backed up for blocks while they were helping her.

"We do seem to be seeing quite a few in the past couple weeks," Yakima Police Sergeant, Tim Bardwell remembered. Later that evening, two more women in their mid-20s were hit on Nob Hill Boulevard near 11th avenue. "One doesn't appear to be injured too badly, the other is injured pretty significantly," Bardwell stated.

Officers say they can't be sure if the shorter hours of sunlight are a factor in the streak of accidents. But they say now is as an important time as ever to make sure you have eye contact while crossing roads, and for drivers to slow down and pay attention. "This time of year, a lot of people are thinking about the holiday. They're kind of distracted," Winter explained. That's a dangerous mode to be in, especially at a time when police are already noticing more walkers hit by cars.

The driver on Terrace Heights was not at fault because he had a green light while he was turning. Police say no drugs or alcohol were involved on the Nob Hill accident and no citations were issued as of Tuesday night. The 20-year old walker in that accident died Wednesday.

The family of Brittny Lynn Kilpatrick, who was killed in that accident, has set up a donation fund in her name for funeral expenses.

Yakima Federal Savings and Loan
118 E. Yakima Ave.

Account: Brittny Lynn Kilpatrck Benefit Acct.

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

On Demand

Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV.

Stay Connected