Mother and child hurt in hit-and-run accident
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| A mirror from the Mercedes. [FCPD] |
A mother and her 12-year-old daughter from Falls Church were struck and injured by a hit-and-run driver as they crossed Columbia Pike near Tyler Street around 10 p.m. Feb. 24, the Fairfax County Police Department reports.
Detectives with the Mason Police District are searching for the driver and car, which is believed to be a dark blue C-Class Mercedes sedan manufactured between 2012 and 2015.
The pedestrians were walking in a marked crosswalk area when they were hit by a car heading westbound on Columbia Pike. FCPS notes it was dark and raining heavily. Detectives say speed doesn’t seem to be a factor.
Anyone with information about the crash, driver, or vehicle should call 703-280-0543. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers (1-866-411-TIPS). FCPD also asks employees at auto body shops to look out for anyone bringing in similar Mercedes sedans for repair.
That cross walk needs the flashing lights, like Arl County has at their cross walks on Columbia Pike. No excuse to not stop for an accident but if it were clearer marked, especially since there isn’t a traffic light, (and most people seem to wear dark clothing) maybe this would’ve been prevented.
So many crazy drivers coupled with so many intersection where pedestrians are an afterthought. It's amazing this doesn't happen more.
The driver made a huge mistake by failing to stop. Although it may not seem like it, the combination of darkness and rain coupled with pedestrians (possibly) wearing dark clothing may have at least mitigated the driver's liability. I'm not blaming the victims, but I've encountered pedestrians who were almost invisible under similar circumstances. – Sparky
Sparky has a good point. I've been worried for all the pedestrians I've *barely* seen, and know that other, less-attentive drivers, would be even less likely to see them.
I know a woman who was backed into as she was walking (mindfully) through a parking lot last year; her body continues to heal, but the emotional effect lingers, too.
Fairfax is not a place for pedestrian or cycle traffic. Nor are their safety a priority in the County. The County has not embraced urbanism well and its citizens are paying the price for the County's lack of knowledge on the evolution of the suburbs.