Multiple car accidents in Philadelphia and the city's suburbs turned into fatal affairs for six people.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. Friday night, a50-year-old female wearing dark clothing was hit as she was attempting to cross the street. According to police, the driver of car who hit her did not spot the pedestrian. Although it can be difficult to see pedestrians at night, that does not excuse drivers from being vigilantly aware of their surroundings.

Later that night, police responded to a motorcycle accident at about 11:30 p.m. A 23-year-old was killed after her motorcycle struck a light pole and another vehicle. Law enforcement officials said she was trying to avoid a car that had pulled out in front of her.

A 43-year-old driver died at the scene of an accident that occurred after he hit two trees and a telephone pole. Police at the scene said he crossed into the opposite lane and struck a berm, which caused him to collide with the other obstacles. The three 28-year-old passengers in the vehicle sustained extensive injuries.

Although it is a tragedy that the driver died, further investigation will be needed to determine why he lost control of his car before the accident. If he was speeding or under the influence of alcohol, his estate could be sued for the injuries his passengers suffered.

Two people, including a 46-year-old female driver and her 45-year-old passenger, were killed at about 5 a.m. on Sunday when their car collided with a utility pole. Another passenger was transported to a hospital.

Another crash that occurred that day claimed the life of a 5-year-old boy when he was thrown from the SUV his grandmother was driving. The SUV traveled through a red light and was struck by a car, which caused the SUV to flip and eject the boy. The others in the vehicle suffered minor injuries.

It is nothing short of a tragedy when lives are needlessly ended because of negligent driving. Although families need time to grieve and mourn the loss of their loved ones, they should also take the necessary steps to hold the reckless parties accountable.

Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer, "6 die in weekend crashes in city, suburbs," Jan. 30, 2012