Elderly Woman Struck By Tractor Trailer At Crosswalk
Most people think that if you follow the rules of the road and you are a cautious pedestrian, you will be out of harms way. Elderly individuals are more at risk for pedestrian accidents since their reaction times are slower and since some of them walk with a cane, walker or other aid. An elderly woman in New Bedford, CT was struck by a tractor-trailer as she entered the crosswalk at the north intersection of Pleasant Street and Route 6.
A video from a nearby commuter bus captured the entire accident. The woman was using a walker at the time of the accident the video showed her walking in front of the tractor-trailer, which was parked at the intersection. When the green arrow prompted the driver to begin turning right onto the street the woman tried to back up out of the way but it was too late. The front of the tractor-trailer clipped her and she was run over by the cab’s rear tires. A man who witnessed the accident immediately jumped out of the passenger seat of a north bound pick up truck at the stop light and pulled the woman out of the crosswalk before the trailer’s rear tires also struck the woman. The driver of the tractor-trailer was issued a citation for failing to yield to a pedestrian and the investigation by police is ongoing.
The elderly woman was fortunate to have someone who was heroic to pull her out of the way before more injuries ensued. This accident should never have occurred, driver’s need to be more aware of pedestrians. Pedestrians also need to take extra precautions when walking alone, especially if they are elderly because they are more susceptible to being victimized.
