Driver in Asbest Fatally Strikes Woman After Honking

A fatal traffic accident occurred on January 23 in the city of Asbest. At 14:20, at the unregulated intersection of Nekrasova and Moskovskaya streets, a 38-year-old resident of Asbest, driving a Ford Focus, struck a 58-year-old local woman who was crossing the road. The woman died at the scene from her injuries.

The driver, who has 15 years of driving experience, was tested for intoxication, and no alcohol was found. «During his time driving, he has been held accountable for traffic violations 23 times,» reported the Sverdlovsk region State Traffic Inspectorate (GAI).

According to the driver, he noticed the pedestrian only at the moment when she began to step onto the roadway with a quick pace. The man sounded the horn, but in response, the woman accelerated her movement, after which the collision occurred.

An examination of the accident site revealed violations in road surface maintenance. «Defects included winter slipperiness in the form of packed snow on the roadway, as well as the absence of necessary road signs in the intersection area. Based on this fact, a decision has been made to initiate an administrative offense case against the organization responsible for road maintenance under Article 12.34 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation,» explained the GAI.

Inspectors called on road users to be more vigilant. «The State Traffic Inspectorate reminds road users of the need to strictly observe traffic rules during the winter period. Drivers are advised to choose speeds appropriate to road and weather conditions, especially at unregulated intersections and near pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians should ensure safety before crossing the roadway, remove hoods that limit visibility, and refrain from using gadgets. Mutual attentiveness and caution on the road will help preserve life and health,» emphasized the department.