Phoenix, AZ- A man was seriously injured after being hit by a car early Friday morning in west Phoenix. The accident, which occurred around 5:30 AM, has left the victim in critical condition and raised concerns about pedestrian safety in the area.

Incident Details

The accident took place at the intersection of 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road, a busy area known for its high traffic volume. According to witnesses, the man was crossing the street when he was struck by a car traveling eastbound on Thomas Road. The driver of the vehicle, a 32-year-old woman, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. She reportedly appeared shaken but uninjured.

Emergency services responded promptly, with paramedics providing immediate medical assistance to the injured man. He was then transported to Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix with serious injuries, including head trauma and multiple fractures. His identity has not been released, and he is currently in critical condition, under intensive care.

Investigation

The Phoenix Police Department is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that poor visibility due to the early morning darkness and the man's actions while crossing the street may have contributed to the incident. Witnesses reported that the man was not using a crosswalk at the time of the accident.

Officers are reviewing traffic camera footage and gathering witness statements to piece together the events leading up to the accident. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether speed, impairment, or distraction played a role in the collision. The driver has not been charged, but the investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.

Pedestrian Safety Concerns

This accident highlights the ongoing issue of pedestrian safety in west Phoenix. Residents have expressed concerns about the frequency of accidents in the area, particularly at intersections like 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road, which are known for heavy traffic and limited pedestrian infrastructure.

Local resident Maria Hernandez shared her worries: "I've seen too many close calls at this intersection. Drivers often speed, and there aren’t enough crosswalks or signals to keep pedestrians safe. We need better safety measures here."

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were over 1,500 pedestrian-related accidents in Phoenix in the past year, with a significant number occurring during early morning or late evening hours when visibility is poor.

City Response

In response to the accident, city officials have reiterated their commitment to improving pedestrian safety. Plans are underway to install additional crosswalks, pedestrian signals, and better lighting in high-risk areas. The Phoenix Department of Transportation is also conducting a review of traffic patterns and speed limits in the area to identify further improvements.

Councilman Michael Nowakowski, representing the district, issued a statement emphasizing the city's efforts: "Our thoughts are with the injured man and his family. We are committed to making our streets safer for everyone. This incident is a stark reminder of the work we still need to do to protect pedestrians."

The city is also looking into the possibility of implementing more advanced pedestrian safety features such as pedestrian refuge islands, enhanced signage, and audible pedestrian signals to accommodate visually impaired individuals.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers

Authorities are urging both pedestrians and drivers to exercise increased caution, particularly during early morning and evening hours when visibility is reduced. Pedestrians should use designated crosswalks, wear bright or reflective clothing, and remain alert while crossing streets. Drivers are reminded to obey speed limits, remain vigilant for pedestrians, and avoid distractions such as mobile phone use while driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides the following tips:

- For Pedestrians: Always cross at intersections and crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, make eye contact with drivers, and avoid using electronic devices while crossing the street.

- For Drivers: Slow down in pedestrian-heavy areas, never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk, and always be prepared to stop for pedestrians.

Community Support

The local community has rallied in support of the injured man, with many expressing their hopes for his swift recovery. Community organizations, including local churches and neighborhood associations, are calling for increased awareness and advocacy for pedestrian safety measures. Fundraising efforts are being organized to help cover the medical expenses of the injured man.

Conclusion

As the investigation continues, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of pedestrian safety in urban areas. The city of Phoenix is taking steps to address these concerns, but the cooperation of both drivers and pedestrians is essential in preventing future accidents.

For updates on the victim’s condition and the ongoing investigation, residents are encouraged to follow local news outlets and the Phoenix Police Department’s official communications. The community's vigilance and commitment to safety can help ensure that such tragedies are avoided in the future.

Residents who wish to contribute to the injured man's medical fund can visit the GoFundMe page set up by local community leaders. Additionally, those interested in advocating for improved pedestrian safety measures can attend the upcoming city council meeting where this issue will be addressed.