Three People Hit by Vehicles in Natrona County Over 6 Days, 2 Die
In less than a week, three pedestrians have been hit by vehicles in the Natrona County. Two of those ended with a fatality while a third, on August 10, resulted in a woman sustaining serious injuries.
On August 5, a vehicle hit and killed 64-year-old Casper resident Kevin Wayne Dennis. Four days later, 31-year-old Randall Vanfleet was hit and killed just outside of Casper.
Then, early Saturday, a woman was hit and seriously injured by a pickup truck on Ash Street in downtown Casper.
The fact that these incidents are completely preventable only make them more tragic, Casper Police Department Public Ifnroatmion Officer Rebekah Ladd said in a press release.
"We've got to do better," Ladd said. "It's easy to have an 'it won't happen to me mindset' about this... but the reality is, it can."
According to the release, Casper police may issue citations to help prevent these incidents. Pedestrians can be cited for crossing streets outside of dedicated crosswalks. Drivers could receive tickets for not stopping for a pedestrian in the roadway.
To stay safe, police advise looking both ways before crossing the street. Having the right-of-way as a pedestrian doesn't guarantee a driver will see someone or stop. If walking at night, people can wear reflective clothing or carry a flashlight to stay more visible.
The three incidents remain under investigation.