Two Pedestrians in Salem Struck by Vehicle

Police say pedestrians walking at night should consider wearing light or bright colored clothing, day or night, to make them more visible to motorists.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Police in Salem say two pedestrians were struck and injured by a vehicle while crossing Ferry St. at Liberty St. SE last night at 7:01 p.m.

Lt Dan Deitz with Salem PD says 24-year old Michael Kucera, 24 of Portland and 19-year old Rikki Robb of Salem, were crossing Ferry St, north bound in the crosswalk at Liberty St. SE when they were struck by a car driven by 32-year old Christopher Hernandez of Salem.

Deitz said, "Hernandez was driving a 2003 Hyundai. Hernandez was stopped on liberty preparing to turn left onto Ferry St. When the signal changed to green he proceeded into the intersection and crosswalk, striking both Kucera and Robb in the cross walk."

Kucera and Robb were both transported to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries received during the collision.

Christopher Hernandez was cited for Driving while Suspended and Failure to Yield to a Pedestrian in a Crosswalk, Deitz said.

"This is the seventh pedestrian vs motor vehicle collision since December 9th. Darkness and weather conditions played a role in all seven of these collisions. Motorists and pedestrians should use more caution when driving and walking at night, especially during winter weather conditions which limits visibility."

He also says pedestrians should consider wearing light or bright colored clothing, day or night, to make them more visible to motorists.