A 64-year-old Bradenton resident was struck by a minivan while crossing 14 Street West in the 2300 block at about 6:40 p.m. on the evening of November 29. There is no crosswalk in the area. The pedestrian was taken to Blake Medical Center Trauma Care with critical injuries and succumbed to those injuries the following night, shortly before 11 p.m.
The driver of the van did not suffer any injuries and was not charged with any crime. An investigation is being conducted by the Bradenton Police Department’s Traffic Unit.
Pedestrian safety tips
While there is no way to know if this accident could have been avoided, there are steps that pedestrians can take to avoid similar incidents in the future:
- Wearing reflective clothing or gear helps make you visible to drivers. This is especially important at nighttime as well as at dawn and dusk. You may also want to carry a flashlight.
- Whenever possible, only cross at crosswalks or intersections. While this may make your walk longer, it can save your life.
- Never enter the roadway from between parked cars. This can make it very hard for drivers to see you.
- Always look left, then right, and left again before crossing the road.
- When possible, make eye contact with approaching drivers to ensure they have seen you.
- Walk on the sidewalk when there is one available. Otherwise, walk facing oncoming traffic.
- Pay attention at all driveways and road entrances.
Even a short walk can be dangerous if you don’t take proper precautions.
The attorneys at the firm of Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh represent pedestrians who have been hurt in Bradenton and the surrounding areas of Florida. If you have been involved in any type of vehicle accident, contact our accident attorneys to learn about your options.