Fatal West Hempstead Pedestrian Accident

Fatal west hempstead pedestrian accident

WEST HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK – According to an online news article published by www.newsday.com, an 85-year-old Westbury woman was struck and killed while walking across Hempstead Avenue.

Nassau County Police report that an 85-year-old Westbury woman attempting to cross Hempstead Avenue was hit and killed by a passing car.  The evening accident happened when a northbound 2012 Toyota Yaris struck the 85-year-old woman as she was attempting to walk from the east side to the west side of Hempstead near McKinley Street.

The 56-year-old woman driving the Toyota stopped and called 911 after striking the 85-year-old woman.  Investigators conducted a brake and safety check on the vehicle which was later returned to the 56-year-old driver.  No criminal charges have been filed, but the accident is still under investigation.

Pedestrian accidents are on the rise nationwide, and while they will continue to happen, there are steps drivers can take to avoid being involved in a pedestrian accident.  If pedestrian accidents cannot be entirely eliminated, the goal should be at least to minimize the incidence of pedestrian accidents, and therefore, the incidence of severe injuries and death.

A few tips drivers should consider to reduce the chances of being involved in a pedestrian accident include the following:

• Slow down when approaching intersections or crosswalks even if a driver has a green light or the right-of-way. In some cases, pedestrians may have a walk sign while a driver has a green light.  For example, a pedestrian may have a walk sign when a driver is attempting to turn right.
• Be on the lookout for school zones and slow down even if a school speed limit is not in effect as children could still be walking outside near their school.
• Slow down around busy and popular areas, such as Times Square, where thousands of pedestrians are walking each day.
• Be extra cautious at night and in the very early morning hours when it is dark outside. Many pedestrian accidents happen in the dark.  Slowing down even when a pedestrian is not expected is a good way to avoid being involved in an accident.