Witnesses to fatal pedestrian accidents traumatised, police say
Police say witnesses who saw a fatal collision between a car and a pedestrian at Hindmarsh in Adelaide are also victims.
Peter Chiappeta, 57, from Paradise, was killed when he was hit by a car on Port Road just before 12.30am (CDST) on Saturday.
The incident occurred opposite the Lady Daly Hotel and was witnessed by several people.
Police said Mr Chappeta was likely intoxicated and the 35-year-old driver from Brompton may have been speeding.
That man is being interviewed by police.
A relative of the victim, Mark Vannini, said any witnesses who had not spoken to police should come forward.
He said Mr Chiappeta was much-loved and it was a difficult time for the family.
"It's a tragedy now for the family right before Christmas."
Superintendent Bob Fauser said speed and alcohol were part of the investigation.
He said those who witnessed the incident were traumatised.
"Clearly those who are involved, clearly those who are the close friends and family of those who die are victims of these types of events, but also those innocent people who just happen to be present when they see these type of activities and they can have long-term impacts on these people," he said.
"I imagine for those who saw an incident like this, an impact between a vehicle and a pedestrian at speed it would be horrific."
Police said 12 pedestrians had died on the roads in 2014 and the incident is the second pedestrian fatality on Port Road in the last month.
A 70-year-old Cheltenham man died in hospital after being hit by a car on Port Road at Woodville on November 14.
Earlier this week a man in his 30s, who was lying on Hardy Street at Rosewater, died when he was run over by a car.
