SURPRISE, Ariz. — An 87-year-old woman is dead after being hit by a car in a shopping center parking lot on Tuesday afternoon in Surprise.
The Surprise Police Department said the fatal collision happened outside of a Costco near Waddell and Sarival roads.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Una mujer murió luego de ser atropellada por un auto en el estacionamiento de Costco en Surprise
Carole Escajeda was identified as the woman killed in the crash.
Police said investigators interviewed multiple witnesses, reviewed video footage and determined the driver was not impaired or driving recklessly and was released without any charges.
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Deaths on Arizona roads
Data from the Arizona Department of Transportation shows that roadway fatalities have been gradually rising in Arizona over the last decade:
- 2011: 825 deaths
- 2012: 821 deaths
- 2013: 844 deaths
- 2014: 774 deaths
- 2015: 895 deaths
- 2016: 952 deaths
- 2017: 1,000 deaths
- 2018: 1,010 deaths
- 2019: 982 deaths
- 2020: 1,057 deaths
ADOT offers driving tips on its website to help keep people safe on the road.
"There’s always room for improvement when it comes to road safety," the department said on its website.
ADOT's suggestions include:
- Don’t speed or drive aggressively
- Never drive while under the influence of substances
- Avoid distractions while driving
- Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers are doing the same
- When an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road, move over
- Stay extra aware in work zones
- Be prepared for weather conditions that make driving dangerous
"Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov, by calling 511, downloading the AZ 511 app and through ADOT’s Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT," the department said.