Pedestrian walking by highway in Granton, struck by vehicle, killed

A pedestrian has been struck by a vehicle and killed after walking alongside a highway north of Hobart. LATEST >>

POLICE have said the driver involved in Friday night’s fatal pedestrian crash north of Hobart was not speeding or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Detective Inspector Rebecca Davis said a 29-year-old Hobart man was walking south on the Brooker Highway in Granton about 9.50pm near the intersection of Black Snake Road when he was struck by a white 4x4 Holden utility.

The pedestrian died at the scene.

Inspector Davis said investigations were too early to determine whether or not the accident was suspicious, and could not confirm if the pedestrian had been intoxicated or had consumed illicit substances.

She said it was not clear where the pedestrian had been walking to.

She said the uninjured male driver stayed to assist emergency services, who remained at the scene for four hours alongside crash investigations and forensic services as traffic was diverted to the Main Rd.

Tasmanian Police re-attended the scene of the fatal pedestrian crash on the Brooker Highway. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“Crashes such as this one don’t only impact those directly involved but also the emergency services workers who attended the scene to deal with the trauma and grief that followed,” Inspector Davis said.

Police re-attended the scene for further investigations at 12.30pm onSaturday for about 30 minutes and diverted southbound motorists.

Support will be offered to all affected, with the tragedy serving a reminder for late-night walkers.

“If you are walking along the road in an area that’s not well lit at night, please try to walk on the side of the road where you are facing the oncoming traffic which will increase the visibility for road users,” Inspector Davis said.

Tasmanian Police re-attended the scene of the fatal pedestrian crash on the Brooker Highway. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The Inspector said crashes involving pedestrians were less common than multi-vehicle crashes in Tasmania.

The accident brings the climbing road toll for 2020 to 33 deaths, surpassing the death toll of 29 for 2019 and the death tolls of 32 for 2018 and 2017.

“If we work together, hopefully we will not continue to see further fatalities,” Inspector Davis said.

Tasmanian Police re-attended the scene of the fatal pedestrian crash on the Brooker Highway. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Police said road safety was the responsibility of all Tasmanians and thanked witnesses who called emergency services to the scene and who came forward with information.

Anyone who saw the incident or saw a man walking along the Brooker Highway that evening has been asked to contact Tasmania Police, Crash Investigation Services or Crime Stoppers.