SPOKANE, Wash. – A fatal car crash on Sunset Highway last week has raised concerns about pedestrian safety among local residents. A 78-year-old woman lost her life while crossing the street, prompting neighbors to demand changes.
Residents, including Jack Bronson, are still in shock. “He hit her hard enough that she came out of her shoes,” said a neighbor, highlighting the severity of the crash.
Bronson emphasized the need for action. “Somethings got to change. It’s either that or other people are going to start dying on this road,” he said.
The primary concern is the lack of lighting on Sunset Boulevard, which becomes dangerously dark at night. Amber Gould, the manager of Hilltop Mobile Home and RV Park, stressed the issue. “The only light you’re going to see is that one right there,” she said, pointing to a single light.
Gould noted that the combination of limited lighting and a high-speed limit creates a hazardous situation. “They cannot get across the street with cars ‘voom voom voom voom’ all night long, all day, they can’t even see people crossing the street,” she stated.
Gould suggested installing more streetlights and a flashing crosswalk to ensure the safety of residents. “See they don’t even stop, they just keep going,” she added.
The road includes a bus stop, and residents often cross to use it. Both Gould and Bronson fear more incidents if changes aren’t made. “How many more people do we have to, you know, see go away because the city can’t have it all lit up out here,” Gould said.
Residents are encouraged to report concerns to the city. For general concerns, visit spokane311.org or call 3-1-1. For street light issues, call (509) 232-8800, and for signal and lighting concerns, call (509) 232-8801.
Bronson expressed the emotional impact of the incident. “You can’t ever get it out of your head, especially someone you know, and you talk to everyday,” he said.
Gould and Bronson plan to reach out to the city for help. “It’s messed up. I just wish someone would do something about it before somebody else has to die on this road,” Bronson said.
Spokane police reported that the driver involved was cooperative and no charges have been filed. The death has been ruled accidental.
