Two hit-and-run accidents send victims to HUP

A motorcyclist was hit on Market Street, aA motorcyclist was hit on Market Street, apedestrian was hit on Pine Street. and Marisa Katz A pair of unrelated hit-and-run automobile accidents sent two males to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania emergency room this weekend. In the first accident, which occurred at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, a man driving a Chevy Blazer west on Market Street struck a motorcyclist headed south on 38th Street, according to a Philadelphia Police department spokesperson. The motorcyclist was taken to HUP with minor injuries. The driver of the Blazer was stopped at 39th and Market streets, where he was arrested when police discovered the vehicle he was driving had been stolen. The intersection was closed off for three hours while the accident was investigated. Later that night, a male pedestrian was hit at 2 a.m. by a white Neon driven by three males who did not stop at the intersection of 42nd and Pine streets, according to University Police Sgt. Tim Trucksess. Witnesses reported that the car's driver's side windows were broken, but police were unsure whether the car had been stolen or if the damages were caused by the accident. The pedestrian, who is not affiliated with the University, was taken to HUP, where he was treated for a broken left arm. It has been some time since any pedestrians have reported being injured in car accidents near campus. In November, Engineering junior Cory Meet was hit at the intersection of 38th and Walnut streets by a motorist driving with a suspended license. Meet, who was riding his bicycle at the time, was taken to HUP with injuries to his right leg and back. However, fewer accidents have been reported since the University undertook steps to make the intersection of 33rd and Walnut streets safer. In response to four car accidents involving students at that location last year, University officials worked with Philadelphia Police to increase safety at the intersection. Among the changes implemented were the addition of signs warning pedestrians of the intersection's dangers, speed limit signs and a "no turn on red" sign. Plans were also made to inform incoming students of the dangers of the location. Director of Police Operations Maureen Rush said at the time that "because pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists all compete for the same space, everyone must be wary of who and what is around him or her. "There is a three-way competition for the streets, and everybody has to play a conscious role in safety," she added.