16-Year-Old Killed in Edinburg Pedestrian Accident
A 16-year-old boy died in Edinburg on October 20 after being hit by two vehicles. Pedestrian-auto accidents are incredibly dangerous, and it’s important that drivers and pedestrians alike do what they can to prevent these often tragic events.
Keep reading to learn the facts about the accident and safety tips for drivers and pedestrians from the team at the Law Office of Bobby Garcia, Edinburg personal injury lawyers.
The Deadly Edinburg Pedestrian Accident
On Friday, October 20, at 8 p.m., a 16-year-old boy from Donna was struck and killed while walking on the road in Edinburg. The accident happened on Farm-to-Market 1423 south of Anderson Road.
According to investigations with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the teen was walking on the northbound lane of FM 1423 when he was struck by a white Chevrolet Silverado. The teen was lying on the road following the initial collision when he was also hit by a black GMC Sierra that was traveling behind the Chevrolet.
DPS reports that the roadway wasn’t well-lit at the time of the accident, and the teen was wearing dark-colored clothing. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the incident, both drivers stopped to render aid, and neither will face charges in connection to this event, according to DPS.
Department of Public Safety Pedestrian Rules
Along with the release reporting the Friday night accident, the DPS also included a list of safety rules for pedestrians to follow to help keep themselves safe while walking on Texas roadways:
Obey traffic signs and rules of the road
Use sidewalks when they’re available
When there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic as far from traffic as you can
Avoid walking while under the influence of drugs or alcohol to protect your judgment
Use crosswalks and intersections
If you can’t use a crosswalk or intersection, cross at a well-lit spot with a clear view of traffic
Look in all directions before crossing the street, including for turning drivers
Watch for drivers leaving driveways and reversing in parking lots
At night, wear bright, reflective clothing, and avoid dark clothes
Safety Rules for Drivers
Given how dangerous pedestrian-auto accidents can be for the pedestrians involved, it’s important that we all do our parts as drivers to avoid these often horrible accidents. While there isn’t always something we can do to avoid an accident, we can do our part to reduce the likelihood that an accident does occur. As a driver, follow these tips to help protect Texas pedestrians:
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections
Watch out for pedestrians crossing the street in areas with heavy foot traffic
Be prepared to stop at crosswalks
Come to a complete stop if a pedestrian is in a crosswalk
Don’t pass vehicles at crosswalks
Don’t speed
Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Don’t drive distracted
If you or a loved one have been injured in an Edinburg pedestrian accident, an Edinburg personal injury lawyer can help you fight for your rights.
Source: myRGV, ValleyCentral4, KRGV