Rochester,NH : Pedestrian injured in Rochester crash on November, Thursday 9th 2017

A Lebanon, Maine, man was struck by a car on Thursday and police say part of the problem was that the area is poorly lit, and the man was wearing dark clothing, creating a visibility problem for the driver.

The accident is still under investigation, but no charges have been filed against the driver, John Loder, 88, of Moultonborough, who was driving a 2016 Honda Fit when he struck Royce Heath, 65, of Lebanon, Maine.

Rochester police and fire personnel, as well as Frisbie EMS were called to the intersection of South Main and Linden streets at about 5:05 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9, for a report of a pedestrian having been struck by a car. On arrival, they found Heath lying on the pavement near Linden Street. He was transported to Frisbie Memorial Hospital for treatment of unspecified injuries and later transferred to Portsmouth Regional Hospital where a hospital spokesperson said he remains in fair condition. Loder was uninjured.

“He was conscious and alert when we responded and at the hospital” said Rochester police Sgt. Jamey Balint, about Heath’s condition immediately after he was struck. “We are still investigating but because of the visibility issues, there might not be any charges.”

Balint said the intersection is not controlled by traffic signals, there is little ambient lighting in the area, there were headlights shining in Loder’s direction from opposing vehicles, and Heath was wearing dark clothing at the time.

“Even in some well-lit areas, this can be a problem,” said Balint. “People don’t always realize that headlights only point straight ahead. Wearing dark clothing while walking at night is not the best option. People just assume cars can see them. Sometimes they can’t.”

As such, the Rochester Police Department would like to take the opportunity to remind citizens that light-colored and reflective clothing will increase visibility during dark conditions.

Anyone with any information regarding the collision is asked to contact officer Jacob Garstin at 603-330-7218.

Source :
Pedestrian injured in Rochester crash