Clearwater Sanitation Worker Seriously Injured When Struck By Vehicle

CLEARWATER, FL — Clearwater police and fire rescue responded to a crash involving a Clearwater sanitation worker Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. on North Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue at Eldridge Street.

The worker was trying to help a trash truck back out onto MLK when he was struck by a southbound vehicle.

He was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg with serious injuries.

Clearwater Police Chief Dan Slaughter is reminding drivers to be on the alert for pedestrians on the city's roads during the busy spring break season and reminding pedestrians to cross streets using only designated crosswalks.

According to the Florida Department of Transportation, there were more than 200 pedestrian-related crashes last year in Pinellas County involving death or serious bodily injury. This year, there have already been nearly 50 pedestrian crashes involving death and serious bodily injury.

"This trend is extremely concerning, as pedestrian-related crashes tend to result in loss of life and serious bodily injury due to pedestrians failing to use crosswalks and drivers failing to use due care," said Slaughter.

Noting that there have already been eight fatal pedestrian crashes in 2023, Slaughter said pedestrians need to be especially vigilant about using crosswalks.