Lakeland, FL police say a Lakeland, FL man walked in front of a car Friday night, causing injuries that led to his death four days later.
According to the Lakeland Ledger, John Christopher Coniglio, 52, of 17 Oleander Circle of Lakeland, FL died early Tuesday morning of December 22, 2009 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.
Police say he was walking south across East Memorial Boulevard in Lakeland, Fl, about 1,000 feet east of Lakeshore Drive in Lakeland, FL, around 9 p.m. on Friday, when he walked in front of an eastbound 1986 Ford driven by James Clifford Griffin, 28, of Lakeland, FL.
According to the Polk County Sheriffs Office police report, Griffin began honking and tried to brake when he saw Coniglio, but couldn't stop in time. The Ford struck Coniglio, who did not listen to the warning honks and never looked in Griffin's direction, police said.
Coniglio hit the windshield and was vaulted over the car. Griffin stopped and stayed with Coniglio until emergency workers arrived.
Griffin had been wearing a seat belt and did not sustain injuries.
Police say Coniglio was drinking at the time of the crash.
The accident remains under investigation.
Apparently, pedestrian accidents similar to this one are becoming more common, especially in large cities where more people walk among vehicles. According to the alcohol alert, a total of 41,059 total traffic fatalities were recorded in the US in 2007. Of those, an estimated 12,998, were drunk drivers. On average, someone is killed by a drunk driver in the US every 40 minutes. The effects of alcohol and intoxicated driving are far-reaching. Its effects go way beyond the number of killed and injured. We are all equally at risk.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an automobile accident, do not hesitate to obtain legal representation. At Rivas Law Group, we work diligently to defend your legal rights. Attorney Tania L. Rivas is dedicated to providing clients with the personal attention they deserve. Call Attorney Rivas today for a free consultation. You owe no fees or costs unless you win.
