SEATTLE — Two pedestrians were killed on I-5 in western Washington in less than 24 hours on April 5, according to law enforcement officials.
A woman was killed on I-5 on Friday morning in Arlington and a man was killed on the interstate in downtown Seattle on Friday night.
“We don’t know why the individual was running across the freeway. But unfortunately, they were deceased,” said Washington State Patrol Trooper and Public Information Officer Rick Johnson.
The State Patrol said just before midnight on Friday a 20-year-old man ran across I-5 in Downtown Seattle near University Street and was hit by a car.
This crash comes less than 24 hours after a 29-year-old woman was killed on I-5 in Arlington on Friday morning.
State troopers in Snohomish County said the woman was on the interstate and was hit by a truck.
“Any time you're outside of your car on the freeway, it's dangerous,” said Johnson.
Last year, 147 pedestrians were killed in Washington state, according to data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). So far this year, 28 pedestrians have been killed, some on Interstates.
Johnson said they don't always know why someone chooses to run or walk across the interstate. He said that sometimes people intentionally get hit and other times people get out of their vehicles after having car troubles.
In February, a 22-year-old man's car broke down on I-5 in Seattle. WSP said the man crossed the interstate and was fatally hit. Johnsons said in most cases, it is best to stay in your vehicle.
“If you can't stay in your vehicle, get out, get on the other side of the barrier and call us,” said Johnson. “If it's broken down, call us and stay in your vehicle."
If you see someone walking on the interstate, Johnson said always call 911 to help prevent tragedy.
“It’s just not a safe place to be as a pedestrian,” said Johnson.
In both of Friday’s crashes, troopers said the drivers cooperated and waited on scene. Johnson said these types of crashes are also traumatic for the drivers involved.
“Telling the individual, ‘There's nothing you could've done. It's not your fault,’ still doesn't take away the situation,” said Johnson.