A teenage girl lost her life on Monday morning, May 18th, in a fatal auto-pedestrian accident in West Odessa, Texas. The accident report released by the authorities disclosed the victim’s name as Reyna Rodriguez, 16.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, they received a call about the accident at about 12:33 a.m. and dispatched troopers to Knox Avenue, seven miles west of Odessa. The preliminary investigation disclosed that Rodriguez was at the time of the crash walking in the middle of the road.
Have you or a loved one been involved in an accident? Speak to a lawyer for a free no obligation consultation
Or call us at (888) 699-7975
A Dodge Ram pickup belonging to an unidentified driver struck the teenager leaving her with fatal wounds. The authorities at the scene pronounced Rodriguez dead. The report did not state if the motorist that hit the young girl remained at the scene or fled.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and the TDPS will provide additional information after concluding its inquiry.
Auto-pedestrian accidents in Texas have seen an increase in the last decade, with more fatalities recorded. In 2018, about 7,903 people were hit by a motor vehicle, with about 643 deaths. The increase is credited to more reckless behavior by road users.
Accident reports show that with the growth in technology, drivers and pedestrians alike are distracted while driving and walking with calls and texts. The two make them take their eyes off the road, leading to auto-pedestrian collisions.
Traffic officials advise drivers and pedestrians to avoid all kinds of distractions while on the road. People should ensure they cross using the designated crosswalks, and drivers should yield the right of way to pedestrians.
Disclaimer: The Safety Watch article you just read includes information obtained from numerous sources. These sources include, but are not limited to, websites and press releases from law enforcement, the county coroner, fire departments, and other news outlets. While we strive to provide readers with the most accurate information, sometimes the information received is not entirely accurate. For complete details, please refer to an official police report.
The articles published contain sensitive subject matter that may be hard to read by some. We understand that losing a loved one is hard and devastating. Safety Watch’s decision to share the stories is to help others who may be facing the same situations by providing appropriate resources to the general public.