Walking home from a grocery store proved hazardous to the health of a Miami man in July. Struck by a hit-and-run driver at Biscayne Boulevard and 64th Street, the victim was on the sidewalk holding his recently purchased groceries. The hit-and-run driver, a 33-year old from Palm Beach County, was driving north on Biscayne Boulevard before the car accident.
For unknown reasons, the vehicle left the roadway and mounted the sidewalk, striking the innocent pedestrian. After hitting the walker, the auto also hit a tree, bus stop, cut down a light pole and finished by striking a fence. The driver first left his car to look at the injured pedestrian. However, he then returned to his car and sped away.
The initially unidentified pedestrian was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital. At that time reports described his condition as “extremely critical.” Fortunately, no one was waiting at the bus stop. There undoubtedly would have been additional injured victims if other pedestrians were awaiting a bus.
After advising police of the vehicle’s description, an officer stopped the car near the Northeast 7th Avenue intersection with 64th Street. There was no mistaking the vehicle as it was severely damaged and had tree debris on top of it. The driver faces DUI and leaving the scene of an accident involving serious personal injury charges.
This horrific incident is another reason for pedestrians to remain alert, even when properly walking on a sidewalk. The driver claimed that he “fell asleep at the wheel. . . “, but officers at the scene reported that he exhibited classic characteristics of someone under the influence. Do you have any suggestions for pedestrians walking on sidewalks in daylight to better protect themselves from runaway autos? Or, do you believe this unfortunate incident is simply a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time?
Source: NBC 6 South Florida, “Pedestrian Hospitalized After Violent Hit and Run Crash in Miami,” Brian Hamacher, July 26, 2012