SALT LAKE CITY — A man dead after being hit by an SUV while crossing a street in Salt Lake City Friday night, and police said low visibility due to darkness and rain may have contributed to the crash.
According to police, the crash occurred in the area of 800 South and 500 East in Salt Lake City, and FOX 13 News first heard report of the crash shortly after 6 p.m.
Sgt. Derek Diamond, Salt Lake City Police Department, spoke about the crash.
“Gentleman was crossing right here in the middle of the road, there is no crosswalk here or anything like that, and at the time it was raining a little bit harder, really dark,” he said. “One car did see him and actually stopped in time for him… As he passed into the southbound lanes, a vehicle going northbound actually struck him.”
Diamond said the man was thrown an estimated 5 to 10 feet after the impact, and he was taken to a nearby hospital in very serious condition. The driver who struck the man cooperated and remained at the scene, as did several witnesses.
“It looks like the driver was doing everything he could, and given the situation with the weather conditions, it doesn’t look like there’s going to be any citations issued,” Diamond said.
Officers said they urge people to cross in designated areas, especially when visibility is hampered.
“… that’s why we always try to get people to make sure that they cross at the crosswalks, with the lights, especially in conditions like this where it’s dark and rainy,” Diamond said. “It’s really hard to see people.”
