NAMPA, Idaho — Nampa Police officers responded to a report of an unwanted subject in the 400 block of East Karcher Wednesday just before 8:30 p.m. As Officers were responding, they were informed of a vehicle against pedestrian crash in front of the location.
When officers arrived, they learned the female pedestrian, a 28-year-old Nampa resident, had begun to cross E. Karcher Rd. and was hit by a white F-250 truck, traveling eastbound. The driver of the truck was a 44-year-old male, also a Nampa resident.
According to information gathered at the scene, contributing factors included poor visibility due to weather conditions, the pedestrian not using a marked crosswalk and wearing dark clothing. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital due to injuries caused by the crash.
The driver remained on the scene and cooperated with the investigating officers. Officers do not believe impairment was a factor for the driver. The crash investigation is still ongoing and there are no further details to be released at this time. The Nampa Police Department has seen a slight rise in pedestrian versus vehicle collisions over the past year.
Safety tips for pedestrians:
- Whenever possible, walk on the sidewalk; if no sidewalk is available, walk facing traffic
- Follow the rules of the road, obeying all traffic signs and signals
- Cross streets at crosswalks
- If no crosswalk is available and your view is blocked, move to a place where you can see oncoming traffic
- Look left, right and left again before crossing the street, making eye contact with drivers of oncoming vehicles to make sure they see you
- Stay alert – avoid cell phone use and wearing earbuds
- Avoid alcohol and drug impairment when walking
- Wear bright and/or reflective clothing, and use a flashlight at night
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots
- Children younger than 10 should cross the street with an adult
Safety tips for drivers:
- Scan the road and sidewalks ahead for pedestrians. Drive attentively and at safe speeds. Remember, pedestrians can be difficult to see, especially in bad weather or at night.
- Anticipate pedestrians especially in urban areas, around schools and colleges.
- Before making a turn, look in all directions for pedestrians.
- Look carefully behind your vehicle before backing up, especially for small children.
- Watch for people in wheelchairs and motorized carts, who may be below eye level.
- Stop for crossing pedestrians at every intersection, even those without crosswalks or stoplights. Stop far enough back so drivers in other lanes can also see the pedestrian in time to stop.
- Do not block crosswalks while stopped, and don’t pass other vehicles stopped for pedestrians
