Columbia, MO (February 11, 2025) – A woman was struck by a vehicle near the intersection of North Providence Road and East Texas Avenue in Columbia on Monday evening. Eyewitnesses reported a chaotic scene as multiple vehicles were involved, leading to a serious pedestrian injury.
Alejandro Figueroa-Saez, a witness at the scene, stated that a blue Toyota struck the woman while she was crossing the street. In a devastating sequence of events, another truck rolled over the woman’s arm before Saez rushed into the middle of Providence Road to stop traffic and prevent further harm. An attendant at the nearby Eagle Stop Gas station also witnessed the incident and confirmed the woman was struck, although they declined to be named due to company media policies.
First responders from Columbia Police Department and Columbia Fire Department were notified of the crash, though further details on their response are pending. The woman’s current condition has not yet been released.
This incident comes as Missouri continues to grapple with rising pedestrian fatalities, despite overall declines in roadway deaths.
Our thoughts are with the injured woman, and we hope for her full and swift recovery.
Rising Pedestrian Accidents in Missouri
The accident in Columbia highlights a troubling trend across Missouri: the rise in pedestrian-related crashes. Despite an overall decrease in roadway fatalities, pedestrian deaths have reached a record high in the state. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), 148 pedestrians were killed on Missouri roads in 2024, marking a 16% increase from the previous year.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of pedestrian accidents. Kyle Green of the Missouri State Highway Patrol noted that drivers frequently using their phones are less likely to notice pedestrians in crosswalks or intersections until it’s too late. This risk is compounded when pedestrians themselves are distracted, leading to tragic incidents like the one near North Providence Road.
In response to the alarming rise in pedestrian fatalities, Missouri introduced the Siddens-Bening Hands-Free Law on January 1, 2025. The law prohibits drivers from holding or touching their cell phones while behind the wheel. It was named after Randall Siddens, who was fatally struck by a driver video-chatting on a cell phone. The law aims to reduce the number of distracted driving-related fatalities, which have contributed to over 100 deaths annually in the state over the past two years.
Pedestrians are encouraged to remain vigilant, even when using crosswalks, as distracted drivers may not always notice them in time. Additionally, the Missouri State Highway Patrol advises drivers to pull as far off the road as possible during emergencies and to remain in their vehicles until help arrives to avoid being struck.
While state initiatives like MoDOT’s Show-Me Zero plan are making progress in reducing overall traffic fatalities, pedestrian safety remains a critical issue. Public awareness and adherence to traffic safety laws are essential steps in preventing further tragedies.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We provide timely updates on accidents and connect victims with resources for medical care and legal guidance. Our goal is to support you through every step of the recovery process. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you during this difficult time.