Pedestrian Killed While Searching for Lost Item
Not an actual photo of the accident.
At 3:42 a.m. on June 11, in Houston, Texas, a female in her 20s stepped out of a vehicle to look for her phone when she was struck by an oncoming vehicle and killed.
The Fatal Accident
In the early morning of June 11, a female passenger was searching the vehicle she was in for her phone. The driver then pulled the vehicle over onto an unprotected median near 8302 Westpark Drive in southwest Houston.
Houston police report that the driver and a female passenger were both searching for the lost cellphone. According to authorities, the passenger possibly stepped out of the median and into the street where she was subsequently struck and killed.
Descriptions of the striking vehicle and its driver have not been reported at this time, but police state that the driver was not under the influence when the accident occurred. The driver of the vehicle stopped in the median was found to be intoxicated.
No arrests have been reported in connection with this case, but the investigation is ongoing.
How to Stay Safe if You Need to Pull Over on the Road
In 2020, 717 pedestrians in Texas died as a result of a fatal vehicle accident. These types of pedestrian-related car accidents can happen in a wide variety of different situations. While we might often think of pedestrians being struck on crosswalks, another common type of pedestrian accident occurs when someone pulls over on the side of the road and steps out of the vehicle.
From child care to engine warning lights, there are many reasons that you may find yourself needing to pull over on the road. There may not be a nearby parking lot or rest stop where you can safely pull off. Review the six tips below, and keep them in mind if you ever have to pull off on the side of the road:
Find a Bigger Space – When you need to pull over, find the biggest area possible, ideally an area that provides the most space between your vehicle and the road. Completely getting off the pavement and onto the grass or dirt will help keep you safe if you need to exit your vehicle.
Turn Your Hazards On – Hazard lights can warn other drivers so that they give you some space by changing over to the next lane.
Keep Everyone Inside – Anyone who does not need to exit the vehicle should stay in their seats with their seat belts still fastened. Accidents can happen even when a vehicle is pulled over, and the vehicle is your best protection from other cars and flying debris.
Wait for Traffic to Clear – Before opening the door to exit the vehicle, make sure the area is clear of all passing traffic.
Stay On the Sidewalk Side – As soon as you step out of your vehicle, close the door and quickly move to safety, keeping the vehicle between you and the road. If possible, exit the vehicle from the passenger side.
Stay Alert – Be aware of the traffic and environment around you. Traffic may not see that you’ve pulled over, and shoulder drop-offs can present serious fall hazards.
Pedestrian accidents are highly likely to lead to injuries. If you’ve been injured in a Texas car accident, contact the team at the Law Office of Bobby Garcia.
Source: KHOU11