SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Another tragic pedestrian crash in Springfield, a person struck and killed on the corner of Dwight and Congress Streets Wednesday night.

At 3:40p.m. Springfield Police were called to Dwight and Congress Street for an accident involving a pedestrian. A 22News crews could see clothing scattered on the road. After being taken to Baystate Medical Center, the pedestrian was unable to recover from his injuries and passed. The accident is being investigated.

Springfield Police Spokesperson Ryan Walsh said the investigation into the cause of that crash is underway but could take weeks to months. That said, the department has seen these before. Walsh told 22News too often they are avoidable.

“Drivers and pedestrians just don’t act defensively enough. A pedestrian in some cases may have the right of way and assume drivers are going to stop,” said Walsh. “Drivers need to put their phones down and pay attention. Those are the biggest key issues.”

As the city investigates this most recent tragedy, safety efforts do continue and a quick look at the statistics shows they’re starting to work.

Walsh said Springfield police officers have issued 2,000 more traffic citations this year than last year already. The department credits that for reducing the number of deadly crashes, nine this year compared to 20 last year.

“Things have gotten better in the city of Springfield thanks to the enforcement and all the infrastructure efforts being forth by Chris Cignoli and the DPW,” said Walsh.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and the Police Department said they were frustrated by the court’s role in this, calling on the justice system to keep some of these dangerous drivers off the roads.