Hit-and-Run Incidents on East Side Freeway
A 59-year-old man narrowly escaped death in a hit-and-run incident on Roosevelt Boulevard early Saturday morning. This unfortunate event marks the second pedestrian collision on the East Side Freeway in just two months, highlighting the dangers faced by those attempting to cross the busy roadway.
Victim Struck By Passing Vehicle
According to police reports, the victim was hit by a white sedan around 3:30 a.m. while crossing the southbound lanes of Roosevelt Boulevard between Houston Street and the Greater St./Williamsburg Bridge exit. Emergency responders found the man with severe head and body injuries, and he was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition.
Furthermore, the driver of the white sedan callously fled the scene, leaving the victim in urgent need of medical attention. Despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement to locate the perpetrator, the driver remains at large as of Saturday.
Unclear Circumstances Surrounding Incident
Authorities are uncertain whether the hit-and-run driver was aware of the collision, especially given the subdued visibility caused by post-Hurricane Debbie weather conditions. While the rain had subsided, the city remained enveloped in gloom and fog, potentially contributing to the tragic accident.
Adding to the tragedy is the proximity of this incident to a previous hit-and-run fatality on the same freeway. Just two months prior, Mary Rowell lost her life while crossing FDR Drive near Houston Street, underscoring the recurring dangers faced by pedestrians in the area.
Advocacy for Pedestrian Safety
These tragic incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety measures on busy roadways. As authorities continue their search for the hit-and-run driver responsible for the latest collision, advocacy for improved street signage, enhanced crosswalks, and heightened driver awareness becomes paramount in preventing future tragedies.
In conclusion, the community mourns the victims of these senseless hit-and-run incidents and calls for increased vigilance and accountability on the part of both drivers and pedestrians alike. May these unfortunate events serve as a catalyst for positive change in ensuring the safety of all road users on the East Side Freeway.
