A man from Hayes, Virginia was killed this week after being hit by an oncoming vehicle. Police say that Thomas Stallman was crossing Guinea Road in Gloucester County late Thursday night when he was hit by a 2008 Ford Edge that was heading east. Virginia State Police say that Stallman tragically died at the scene of the accident.
Authorities say that the accident happened only a few minutes before 8 p.m. at the intersection of Guinea Road and Sarahs Cove Drive. The force of the accident was severe enough that the driver and the passenger of the Ford suffered injuries from the accident, though neither were life-threatening. Virginia State Police say that the cause of the deadly pedestrian accident remains unknown but that investigation is ongoing. Until more is known, the police say they will not file any criminal charges.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian crash deaths make up more than 11 percent of all crash fatalities in the United States. Though this sounds like an incredibly high figure, it’s actually down from the 13 percent seen in the late 1990s. The NHTSA figures also found that New Mexico has the highest pedestrian death rate per capital while New Hampshire has the lowest.
The statistics also echo what took place in this crash, with information showing that more pedestrians are killed between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. than during any other three-hour time frame. The accident in this case happened just before 8 p.m., a notoriously deadly time according to safety experts because of the setting sun, which can make it difficult for drivers to clearly see the road in front of them.
The fact that 13 pedestrians die in auto accidents every day should serve as a shocking reminder of how dangerous something as simple as going for a walk can be. Pedestrians out for a stroll should remember to use sidewalks whenever possible and only cross or enter streets where it is legal to do so. If no sidewalks are available, it’s typically safer to walk facing oncoming traffic. Also, try and make it easy for drivers to spot you by dressing in light colors or reflective materials. Carrying a flashlight is another good idea. Finally, watch out for drivers and be wary. Though most drivers are good people, pedestrians cannot count on others to always pay attention. Hopefully by following some of these tips pedestrians can decrease their risk of being involved in a serious car accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, take a moment to read our car accident injury guide so you’re fully informed about what to do if you are hurt in a Virginia (VA) car accident. If you or someone you love have been injured in a Virginia car, motorcycle or truck accident and are not sure how to move forward, it might be helpful to check out my firm’s answers to some frequently asked questions regarding car accident claims.
Here’s a Google Map showing the location of the accident:
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