Branson Police Investigating Pedestrian Fatality Accident

An investigation is underway after a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle and killed.

The complete release below is from the Branson Police Department:

Branson Police are investigating a vehicle versus pedestrian fatality that occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023, in the 3000 block of W. 76 Country Blvd. 

According to the preliminary investigation, a 71-year-old male was in the crosswalk at that location when he was struck by a truck. The 71-year-old was taken to Cox South where he passed away from his injuries. Police say the driver of the truck immediately stopped after the incident and police don’t believe drugs or alcohol were involved. 

“Pedestrian safety is extremely important for this community,” said Branson Police Chief, Eric Schmitt. “The Branson Police Department wants to take this opportunity to remind drivers that there is heavy pedestrian traffic along the streets of Branson, and we encourage the drivers to be mindful of these pedestrians when driving in our community.”  

Chief Schmitt points out that both drivers and pedestrians may be distracted, and all should be encouraged to pay extra attention. “Whether you are walking or driving, you have a responsibility to do your part for roadway safety, as mandated by Missouri law. For reference, we are including the statutes here,” said the Chief. An investigation of the incident is ongoing. 

The Missouri state statutes related to pedestrian right of way include:
Pedestrians’ right of way in crosswalks: RSMo. 300.375 states that when traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is on the half of the roadway on which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger. It goes on to say that no pedestrian shall leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. Furthermore, whenever any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle. 

When pedestrians shall yield: RSMo. 300.390 states that every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles on the roadway. 

When pedestrians are prohibited from crossing: RSMo. 300.395 states that between adjacent intersections at which traffic control signals are in operation, pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a crosswalk. Furthermore, no pedestrian traffic shall cross at a roadway other than in a crosswalk in any business district or on any street designated by an ordinance.