Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run in Providence Overnight

Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run in Providence Overnight

A pedestrian was struck and killed in Providence overnight, GoLocal has learned.

According to police, it happened at approximately 2:30 AM on Saturday.

 

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About Incident

Providence Police responded to the area of Corliss Street for a report of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle.

The caller indicated the victim was not breathing.

Police say the pedestrian was transported to the hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Preliminary investigation indicates the adult male victim had been waiting for a ride-share vehicle and stepped into a crosswalk on Corliss Street when he was struck by a passing vehicle.

The incident remains under investigation, and additional information will be released, say police, pending notification of next of kin.

 

New Data

New research published this week by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds that over 919,000 police-reported crashes in 2023 involved a driver who fled the scene, resulting in 242,000 injuries and 2,872 fatalities. Hit-and-run crashes were 15% of all crashes in 2023 — the highest percentage recorded in any recent year. The study reveals a growing crisis on America’s roads, one that leaves injured people alone, without help, and too often with no one to hold accountable.

People outside cars are especially vulnerable: Nearly 1 in 4 pedestrians and cyclists, and at least 6 in 15 roadside workers killed in crashes in 2023, were hit by a driver who fled the scene. They are frequently struck in darkness late at night or early in the morning, when visibility is low and there may be no one nearby to call for help.  

In Rhode Island, nearly 7% of traffic fatalities from 2017 to 2023 were the result of hit-and-run crashes.  

“The reasons drivers leave the scene of a crash may vary, but the bottom line is that there’s no excuse,” said Jillian Young, director of public relations for AAA Northeast. “Fleeing after a crash only compounds the harm, whereas staying, calling for help and taking responsibility can save lives.”