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Pedestrian hit, killed in East Naples

2:03 PM

A pedestrian was hit by a vehicle on Southwest Boulevard and US 41 in East Naples just before noon Thursday.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers and Collier County Sheriff's Office deputies are on scene investigating.

The Florida Highway Patrol says the victim was walking from Whistler's Cove to the store across the street.

The victim has died, but she has not been identified.

The driver is not facing charges.

At the same intersection on December 1, a 16-year-old was struck by a vehicle. He suffered a brain injury.

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Good afternoon Commissioner Fiala,

I addressed the MPO board about this area at the last MPO board meeting, as did the grandmother of the 16 year old and residents from her community.  We begged for a solution before someone else was hurt or killed.  It was deemed FDOT's responsibility and we heard it would possibly have a traffic signal installed in about 6 months - at the earliest.  I suggested that this entire stretch needed to be slowed and that one signal would not relieve the safety concerns on this roadway.  The whole segment needed to be evaluated, and I asked that a speed detecting device that displays a motorists speed be brought out immediately.  I heard that such device was brought out, but did not remain in place.

The result:  A woman is dead, another family is devastated while we are waiting for FDOT to install a traffic signal.  What else needs to happen?  We need action now. 

I hope to learn more about what happened and I am very curious to see why the driver was not cited.  What comes to mind is that pedestrians are generally held to be at fault if not crossing at a crosswalk.  This is often very unfair to pedestrians who may be required to walk a mile  or more out of their way to cross at a crosswalk.  Crosswalks need to be installed where people need to cross.  The article said she was crossing to go to the store.

On behalf of Naples Pathways Coalition, I implore you to take action immediately to improve the safely along this stretch of roadway.  Please let me know what our coalition can do to support you in this important matter.

Sincerely, 

Michelle Avola

Executive Director

Naples Pathways Coalition, Inc.

239.810.5949

www.naplespathways.org

Join us as we work toward a safe, integrated network of pathways, bike lanes and sidewalks so that everyone can get where they need to go safely!

cc: NPC Board, NPC members