A seven-year-old girl was fatally struck by a semi truck on Thursday night. The crash happened on 287 near Harrold, which is southeast of Vernon. According to News Channel Six, the girl and her sister were crossing the street around 8:30 p.m. when she was struck by the large truck. First responders, Department of Public Safety troopers and the Texas Department of Transportation shut down a portion of 287 after the crash. Very little information has been released on how this tragic incident occurred. The crash is likely still under investigation.
Just the Facts: Pedestrian Safety
- In 2010, 4,280 pedestrians were killed in car crashes across the U.S.
- Additionally, 70,000 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes.
- Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely to be killed in a car crash on each trip than traditional passenger vehicle occupants.
- In 2012, automobiles in Texas struck more than 5,000 pedestrians.
- Of those 5,000 pedestrians struck, 2,962 suffered from serious injuries and 481 were killed.
Pedestrians Safety Across Texoma
Anytime a pedestrian, a child especially, is fatally struck in Texoma, the whole community feels it. In January, we reported on a pedestrian that was struck and killed in Wichita Falls. The crash happened around 6:20 p.m. on the 100 block of North Scott Street, and very few details were released on the incident. Pedestrian safety in Texoma has got to be a priority for motorists and pedestrians.
After a Pedestrian Accident
After any type of car accident, you should always seek medical attention first. Pedestrians are especially vulnerable to suffering from head injuries and other devastating injuries. After getting your medical needs addressed, it’s a good idea to contact a personal injury attorney. In pedestrian collisions that end fatally, surviving loved ones may need to speak with an experienced wrongful death attorney.
In 2010, on average, one traffic-crash related pedestrian death occurred every two hours. Additionally, a pedestrian was injured every eight minutes. Pedestrian safety needs to be a top priority for motorists and pedestrians in Texas. The Texas Department of Transportation wants to remind everybody to Drive Friendly and Drive Safe. Since pedestrians don’t have the same level of protection as passenger vehicle occupants, drivers need to safely share the road. This means obeying traffic laws, signs and signals and paying attention to the roadway. The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest condolences to the family members and friends of this little girl.