According to the St. Petersburg Police Department, a pedestrian was struck and killed Tuesday around 2:30 p.m. on 9th Ave. N.
The driver who hit him was charged with DUI manslaughter.
Officials believe the pedestrian, a 72-year-old school crossing guard, was setting up his school zone cones when he was hit by a vehicle.
A witness said a silver Toyota Scion was driving erratically and hit a pickup truck before hitting the man.
The driver also hit a school zone sign and a small tree and kept going several blocks, police said.
The man was pronounced dead at the hospital. He had been a crossing guard for three years. No one else was injured in the accident.
The driver of the Toyota, a 21-year-old man, was charged with DUI manslaughter.
DUI accidents are 100% preventable. Driving while intoxicated hinders a driver’s ability to safely execute the many tasks that can arise on the road. Regardless, many motorists still choose to carelessly get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
A whopping 39% of traffic deaths each year are alcohol related. On that same notes, more than half a million people are injured every year as a result of drunk driving accidents. These numbers include auto accidents and pedestrian accidents.
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury or wrongful death because of a drunk driving accident, our Tampa Bay Pedestrian Accident Lawyers at Whittel & Melton will fight for your rights and aggressively pursue the damages you deserve. Drinking and driving is no accident, let us help you understand what steps to take next.
Call us today at 727-823-0000 or contact us online to request a free consultation.