Male Pedestrian Killed Crossing U.S. 17 in Putnam County
A pedestrian was hit and killed on Sunday night, May 1, while he was crossing U.S. 17 in Crescent City, according to a report in The Florida Times-Union. The 47-year-old man from Crescent City was crossing the highway when he was struck by an Infinity driven by a 47-year-old woman, also of Crescent City. The fatal pedestrian collision happened about 9:30 p.m. as the man cross the Putnam County roadway. Emergency personnel responding to the scene pronounced the man dead at the scene just north of Tiffany Court. There is no other information available in this story as to why he was crossing the road or what the conditions were on that road at the time.
Our condolences go out to the friends and family of the deceased man.
Pedestrians generally have the right of way under Florida Statute 316.130 when there are no traffic signals or near a school where children might run out in the road. Otherwise, pedestrians are required to cross roads in designated walkways. The article does not answer the question whether or not this was a designated area or if the car was at a stop light or stop sign.
While overall traffic deaths appear to be on a decline both nationally and in Florida, a report released in January by the Governors Highway Safety Association found distracted walkers accounted for a 12 percent increase in pedestrian deaths. Florida was one of eight states that had an increase in pedestrian deaths by at least 10 fatalities. Florida also had the second highest number of pedestrian fatalities in 2009 (behind California) at 466 deaths.
The Jacksonville pedestrian accident lawyers at Farah & Farah are always available for a complimentary consultation following an auto accident that results in injuries and/or death.
