Bellevue Records 4th Traffic Death In 2020

BELLEVUE, WA — A man hit and killed by a driver in the Crossroads neighborhood Monday was Bellevue's fourth person to suffer fatal injuries on city streets in 2020.

According to city officials, the 92-year-old man was attempting to cross Northeast 8th Street when he was struck by a driver heading westbound. Police said the driver, a 47-year-old Bellevue man, cooperated with police and did not show signs of impairment. He told officers he did not see the man step into the street, investigators said.

In a news release, officials said the man's death was the fourth traffic-related fatality this year. Two others involving pedestrians and another crash claiming the life of a cyclist. With five traffic deaths in 2019, the city said the two year-period has quickly become Bellevue's deadliest on the roads, already accounting for more than half the total number of traffic deaths recorded between 2010 and 2018.

"On behalf of the city, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the man killed," said Andrew Singelakis, Bellevue's transportation director. "Obviously, with the latest collision, we're going in the wrong direction from our Vision Zero effort to eliminate fatal and serious injury collisions on Bellevue streets by 2030. It's been a difficult year for the community on our roads. We must and we can do better."

With winter approaching and shorter days already upon us, Bellevue police and transportation officials are sharing a few reminders to help keep everyone safe:

• Scan the road ahead carefully. At intersections and elsewhere, watch for people walking, bicycling and driving.
• Obey traffic signals and signs. Drivers and bicyclists generally have the same privileges and responsibilities.
• Drivers should stay off their phones and avoid other distractions, driving slower when it’s dark and/or wet.
• Use a light at night. For people who bicycle, use a white light in front and red reflector or light in back.
• Communicate with others. Signal your turns and lane changes.

Learn more about the Vision Zero goal on the city of Bellevue's website.