PHOENIX — Phoenix police are investigating the death of a man who was seen running in the roadway before being struck by a passing truck. The driver stayed on the scene to cooperate with authorities, officials said.
Police were called to the area of 27th Avenue and Buckeye Road for reports of a man being been hit by a truck.
Detectives learned that Jonathan Martinez, 35, had been seen running on Buckeye Road when the crash happened, and the driver stayed on scene to help with the investigation.
Martinez was taken to a local hospital where he died of his injuries, police said.
The crash is still under investigation at this time, but investigators said they didn't see any signs that the driver was impaired.
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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.
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