LEHIGH COUNTY — Pedestrian Struck and Killed on Route 22, Driver Charged

LEHIGH COUNTY, PA (July 21, 2025) — A pedestrian was struck and killed by a pickup truck on Route 22 early this morning, and the driver has been charged with driving under the influence.

The crash occurred around 2:40 a.m. on Route 22 eastbound near the Fullerton exit in Whitehall Township. According to Pennsylvania State Police, a 34-year-old man was crossing the highway when he was struck by a pickup truck traveling at highway speed.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck, identified as Robert Jennings, 28, of Bethlehem, was arrested and charged with DUI, vehicular homicide, and reckless driving.

Police report that Jennings showed signs of impairment at the scene and failed field sobriety tests. He was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital for a blood draw before being taken into custody.

The eastbound lanes of Route 22 were closed between Cedar Crest Boulevard and the Fullerton exit for approximately three hours while emergency responders worked to clear the scene and conduct their investigation. Traffic was diverted onto local roads.

It remains unclear why the pedestrian was on the highway at the time of the crash. The Pennsylvania State Police investigation is ongoing.

Pedestrian Accidents in Pennsylvania

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident requires specialized legal knowledge. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even in tragic circumstances.

Understanding the most frequent causes of pedestrian accidents can help raise awareness about preventable tragedies:

• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs significantly impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making drivers less likely to see pedestrians.
• Poor Visibility: Nighttime conditions, inadequate lighting, and weather can make pedestrians difficult to see on roadways.
• Distracted Driving: Using phones, navigation systems, or other activities that take attention away from the road can be deadly.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to respond to pedestrians and increases crash severity.
• Pedestrian Impairment: Alcohol or drug use by pedestrians can lead to poor decision-making about when and where to cross roads.
• Highway Pedestrians: Pedestrians on high-speed roadways face extreme danger due to vehicle speeds and limited escape routes.

If you were involved in a traumatic accident in Eastern PA, the Pennsylvania car accident attorneys at Munley Law can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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.

Disclaimer: All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.