Pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach, Florida – Hit-and-run accidents are on the rise across the state of Florida. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported at the beginning of the year that the number of these kinds of accidents went up by over 17% in 2021, and as the number of these kinds of accidents increased, so did the number of casualties.
That trend of an increasing number of hit-and-run crashes is likely to continue in 2022, as well. In Palm Beach County alone, authorities say four fatal hit-and-run crashes occurred within a month. Namely, deputies are investigating the death of a pedestrian who died on Monday while crossing a street.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said the accident took place at around 5 a.m. in the vicinity of Indian Road along Okeechobee Boulevard. The man was standing in the center median and attempting to cross the road when he was hit by a vehicle traveling eastbound.
The investigation showed that the driver of the vehicle did not stop and continued driving following the crash. Information about the make and model of the vehicle that struck the man was not released.
First responders were sent to the crash scene, but unfortunately, it was too late for the man to be saved. The Palm Beach County Fire Rescue crews declared the man dead at the scene.
Residents in the area we talked to are suggesting officials identify the issue and put in additional safety features if necessary at that particular stretch of road because, they say, it is not unusual for crashes to occur there, as they have personally witnessed over a dozen accidents in a short period of time.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who might have information regarding the fatal hit-and-run to call 561-681-4537.
