A second Montgomery County student in two days has died after being struck by a vehicle after dark.
Upper Moreland Police said a 17-year-old student at Upper Moreland High School was pronounced dead Tuesday evening at Abington Hospital after being struck at about 5:35 p.m. in the painted median of Blair Mill Road at Moreland Avenue.
The driver of the striking vehicle, described as a sport utility vehicle, is a 39-year-old Bucks County woman who remained at the scene and is said to be cooperating with authorities. The student's name has not been released by authorities.
On Monday night, a 16-year-old Pottsgrove High School Student died after being struck by a vehicle on East High Street (Ridge Pike) in the Sanatoga section of Lower Pottsgrove. The incident took place shortly before 9 p.m. Monday.
The driver was identified by authorities as a 43-year-old Collegeville woman. She was also said to be cooperating with authorities. The student's name was not released by police, but the Pottstown Mercury identified him as Tim Paciello, a junior.
Both incidents remain under police investigation. The Montgomery County District Attorney's office said Tuesday that county detectives are assisting Lower Pottsgrove Police in the investigation of the Monday incident.
About 4,000 pedestrians die in traffic incidents in the United States each year, according to the Federal Highway Administration.
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center at the University of North Carolina advises pedestrians walking at night to:
- Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.
- Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
- Cross in a well-lit area at night.
- Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.
