Police are investigating a collision that left a 64-year-old man dead in Fair Haven.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Ferry and Pine streets. Here’s what happened, according to police spokesman Officer David Hartman:
“Two employees of a local tire business were returning from a service call. They were driving in their company pick-up truck, heading south on Ferry Street, when the pedestrian, 64-year-old John Mucha, of New Haven, entered the roadway. The truck struck Mucha as he crossed the street. Mr. Mucha was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
“The NHPD Crash Investigation Unit responded and commenced with their investigation. The driver and passenger of the truck remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. The driver has not been charged in the accident.
“The investigation is expected to take some time and a final report and conclusion isn’t expected for several months.”
This is sad news. I never thought it worth mentioning until now, but I once had a close call with a tire company truck while on my bike, and it was nearby on Grand/Ferry (I don't think I should say the company name according to site policies). It was probably just a coincidence, but I'd hate to think it was the same person driving.
Also, it should be noted that there is a striped pedestrian crosswalk at the intersection of Ferry/Pine, and I think there's even a sign on the yellow line to remind drivers to yield. The article states the pedestrian "entered the road" so I assume that means he wasn't in the crosswalk. But, still, I wonder if this could have been prevented if we simply prohibited drivers from speeding when they pass through densely populated neighborhoods such as this one. A car going 15mph should be able to avoid a pedestrian who "enters the road", and if not, at least they won't kill them at that speed. At 35mph, you probably won't avoid the pedestrian, and a collision at that speed will probably lead to serious injury or death. Why don't we make the speed limit 15-20mph in these dense neighborhoods? The drivers I see are just racing in between red lights anyhow.
Finally, why does a traffic incident such as this require "several months" to complete the investigation and file a "final report"? Are there forensics involved? Do they need to track down witnesses? I'm genuinely baffled at the time estimate.