This death did not need to happen, and our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones and community

This week, Lawrence Soeder, 58, of West View, was found severely injured in the roadway near the intersection of Davis Ave and Massachusetts Ave around 10:45 p.m. in Pittsburgh’s Brighton Heights neighborhood. First responders transported him to the hospital in critical condition, where he later died. This is currently being investigated as a hit-and-run.

Pittsburgh police now have surveillance footage of a suspect vehicle, believed to be a dark-colored Kia Soul. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Pittsburgh Police as the Collision Investigation Unit continues its investigation.

Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, friends, and neighbors during this unimaginably difficult time.

This happened on a residential street

Like many residential streets in Pittsburgh, Davis Avenue carries local traffic while also serving as a key neighborhood connection. The crash also occurred within a mile of the new Davis Avenue Bridge, which reopened last year and serves as an important biking/walking connection between Brighton Heights and Riverview Park.

Crashes are preventable

As details emerge, it’s important to remember that fatal crashes are rarely the result of a single factor. From street design to poor visibility and lighting conditions, there are multiple factors at play.

Too often, narratives around traffic violence focus narrowly on individual behavior rather than the broader systems that shape how our streets function. We already know that humans make mistakes, so our transportation system must be designed so that those mistakes don’t result in death.

Cities across the country and the world have shown that thoughtful street design can dramatically reduce crashes and save lives. And here in Pittsburgh, we’ve seen a significant two-year decrease in crashes and injuries, showing traffic calming investments are paying off.

Every loss of life on our streets is a reminder that safety must be a priority in how we design and manage our transportation system. Strategies like traffic calming, improved lighting, better crosswalks, and street designs that slow vehicle speeds can make neighborhoods safer for everyone.

No one should lose their life simply moving through their neighborhood.