In a poignant reminder of road safety, a recent incident in Tacoma has brought attention to the dangers pedestrians face on city streets. Matthew James Hadway, a local resident, was struck by a vehicle while crossing South 48th Street near Tacoma Mall on a Sunday afternoon. The driver remained at the scene and received citations for failing to yield to a pedestrian and driving without a valid license or insurance. The ongoing investigation will determine if further charges are warranted. This tragic event has left Hadway with severe injuries, including a damaged hip and facial trauma. His brother, Elijah, emphasized the importance of driver awareness and responsible behavior behind the wheel.

A Heartfelt Plea for Road Safety Following a Devastating Collision

On a crisp autumn afternoon, tragedy unfolded near Tacoma Mall when Matthew James Hadway, a dental assistant and the primary provider for his family, was hit by a car while using a crosswalk. The accident occurred on South 48th Street, just outside the Best Buy entrance. The driver involved stayed at the scene and faced multiple citations, including failure to yield to a pedestrian and driving without a valid license or insurance. Authorities are still investigating to determine if additional charges will be filed.

Elijah Hadway, Matthew’s brother, visited him at Harborview Medical Center, where Matthew is recovering from serious injuries. Elijah described his brother's condition as critical, with a severely damaged leg and extensive facial injuries. Despite the gravity of the situation, Elijah expressed forgiveness towards the driver but stressed the need for accountability and vigilance on the roads.

To support Matthew during his recovery, his best friend initiated a GoFundMe campaign. Elijah hopes this incident serves as a wake-up call for drivers to pay better attention and put down their phones while driving. “This isn’t fair to him,” Elijah said. “He’s done nothing wrong.”

This heartbreaking event underscores the critical importance of driver awareness and responsibility. It serves as a stark reminder that a momentary lapse in attention can have life-altering consequences. Drivers must remain vigilant and prioritize the safety of all road users, especially pedestrians who rely on marked crosswalks for safe passage. By fostering a culture of mindfulness and respect on our roads, we can prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.