Police identified the 28-year-old who was struck by a car while crossing the street as Edward Koyen. According to the report, Koyen was crossing 24th Street near A Avenue around 3 a.m. when he was hit by a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix that was traveling eastbound.
The report also stated that the driver of the Grand Prix stopped and tried to assist Koyen. Emergency responders from Ogden Fire and Medical came to the scene and transported the victim to the McKay-Dee Hospital. Edward Koyen was pronounced dead at the hospital.
No criminal charges have been filed in relation to the incident.
Utah Department of Public Safety found that in 2011:
- 886 pedestrians were struck by motor vehicles; 770 were injured and 32 were killed.
- Pedestrians accounted for 1% of persons in crashes and 13% of deaths.
- Pedestrian crashes were 10.8 times more likely to result in a death than other crashes.
Location of Pedestrians in Crashes (Utah 2011)
- Marked Crosswalk (34%)
- In Roadway Not at Intersection/Crosswalk (23%)
- Shoulder (8%)
- Unmarked Crosswalk (6%)
- Sidewalk (4%)
Leading Contributing Factors of Drivers in Pedestrian Crashes (Utah 2011)
- Failed to Yield Right of Way (33%)
- Hit and Run (14%)
- Driver Distraction (8%)
- Vision Obscured by Weather (4%)
- Improper Backing (4%)
Leading Contributing Factors of Pedestrians in Crashes (Utah 2011)
- Improper Crossing (14%)
- Darting (8%)
- In Roadway Improperly (7%)
Utah Department of Public Safety reported that 50% of pedestrians had no contributing factor in the crash.
Christensen & Hymas condoles with the bereaved family of Edward Koyen. We encourage all motorists to watch for pedestrians especially on intersections and crosswalks. Slow down and avoid distracted driving when approaching marked crosswalks. In the same manner, we encourage pedestrians to be extra careful while crossing and to watch for oncoming vehicles.
Christensen & Hymas specializes in personal injury cases. Call us at (801)-506-0800 for a free initial consultation on compensation claims. Victims of reckless driving and negligence are entitled to compensation. Talk to us so that we can help you process your claims.
Original article by David Wells of Fox13.
Photo courtesy of Kecko.