A 53-year-old Bend resident was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries after being struck by a car while walking near the intersection of Third and Franklin. The incident happened just before 5 p.m. Tuesday. According to Bend Police, the pedestrian was reportedly crossing Franklin Avenue outside the crosswalk when he was hit by a 2008 white Chevy Impala traveling west.
The driver, who reported low visibility, said he didn’t see the pedestrian until he was on his hood. The driver stopped and cooperated with law enforcement and was not cited in the crash. Witnesses reported it was very dark in the area and that the pedestrian did not yield to traffic.
The victim was transported by ambulance to St. Charles Bend with serious injuries. He was then transferred by air ambulance for further treatment at a Portland area hospital.
Bend Police would like to remind drivers of the importance of defensive driving, particularly when it is dark out or the weather decreases visibility.