PHOENIX — Phoenix police continue to investigate after two people, a man and a woman, were struck by a car Tuesday night.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. near 32nd and Yale streets, south of Thomas Road.
The pedestrians, identified as Dorathy Chambers, 67, and Joseph Gutierrez, 60, were taken to the hospital, but both died from their injuries.
Police say the person driving the car did remain on the scene.
"I didn't know what happened until I came in," said Cynthia Hernandez.
Hernandez works at the Family Dollar next to the crash scene. Roads were blocked off with so many emergency vehicles, she had to take a detour to get in for her shift last night.
"I was told two people were hit," she said.
Hernandez says she's witnessed several crashes outside and wants to see more safety measures in place.
"I think something should be done, like one of those lights put right there by that street that they can push a button and stop traffic on both sides," she said.
According to Phoenix Police Department, 226 people have been hit by vehicles in the city so far this year, leading to 19 deaths.
There have been 338 people hit countywide this year, with 25 deaths thus far, according to the Maricopa Association of Governments. The number is actually down from this same time last year, when MAG says there were 406 people hit and 105 deaths.
MAG says 70 to 80% of these types of accidents happen in dark conditions, and they urge both walkers and drivers to pay more attention to what's around them.
"It’s a shame because there's a lot of homeless around here and they cross the street all the time," Hernandez said.
Other residents say drivers speed and the roadway here is simply not safe.
"They're doing 40 to 50 mph," said resident Cassandra Davis. "And they don't realize there could be elderly people in wheelchairs crossing the street... They need to have like a light, like a red light right there so that people can quit getting hurt."
A spokesperson for Phoenix told ABC15 a pedestrian signal crossing, also known as a HAWK signal, is scheduled to be installed in the area this summer.
There are 75 HAWKS located citywide and the 76th is scheduled to be activated on May 5 at 43rd and Pinchot avenues.
