Pedestrian Dies After Being Hit By an SUV in Scranton

A man died after being hit by an SUV  in Lackawanna County on Christmas Eve. According to news reports, the man was fatally struck at around 10:30 pm on December 24 in the 800 block of Providence Road in Scranton. The driver of the SUV fled the accident scene but was later arrested.

The pedestrian was taken to Geisinger CMC ED and shortly died soon after, according to the Lackawanna County Coroner.

The Scranton Police Department is currently investigating the fatal accident. It is unknown how the accident occurred.

Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Scranton, PA

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, fatal pedestrian accidents have been steadily increasing in the past three years. In 2023, there were 186 pedestrian fatalities throughout Pennsylvania and 3,145 pedestrians injured in motor vehicle accidents.

Fatal pedestrian accidents represent a critical public safety concern that involves complex factors and patterns. In urban areas like Scranton, these accidents frequently occur at intersections and high-traffic corridors, particularly during evening hours when visibility is reduced. Most fatal pedestrian accidents happen on roadways with higher speed limits, as the probability of a fatal outcome increases significantly when vehicles are traveling above 30 mph. Distracted driving and walking have become increasingly significant factors affecting drivers and pedestrians.

Certain environmental factors consistently contribute to these accidents: poor lighting conditions, adverse weather, and complex road designs that may confuse both drivers and pedestrians. The time of day plays a critical role, with a notable increase in fatalities during dawn and dusk hours when visibility is compromised, but traffic volume remains high.

Alcohol involvement, either by the driver or pedestrian, significantly increases the risk of fatal outcomes. Studies show that impairment of either party drastically reduces reaction times and decision-making abilities.

Recent trends indicate growing concerns about the role of larger vehicles like SUVs and pickup trucks in pedestrian fatalities, as their higher front-end profile can cause more severe injuries compared to traditional passenger cars. Urban planners and safety advocates have responded by promoting “complete streets” designs that incorporate dedicated pedestrian infrastructure, lower speed limits, and improved crossing signals.

If you lost a loved one in a fatal pedestrian accident in Scranton, speak with an experienced Scranton pedestrian accident attorney right away to learn what your next steps. We can start a wrongful death claim so your family can receive compensation for the car crash. Contact Munley Law today to speak with one of our attorneys free of charge. There is no fee unless we win your case.

Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents in Pennsylvania. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Munley Law as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.