WASHINGTON, D.C. — A newly graduated student in Washington, D.C. was hit by a car in a crosswalk during a heavy rainstorm, turning what should have been a day of celebration into a sobering reminder of how vulnerable pedestrians can be. The incident, which occurred around May 17 near 700 Monroe St., has gone viral and ignited widespread debate over driver accountability and police inaction.
A Sudden Turn on Graduation Day
The incident took place just after a local university’s graduation ceremony, as students attempted to flee a sudden downpour. Dozens were crossing the street using a clearly marked crosswalk with the walk signal illuminated, when a white sedan suddenly barreled through, striking one of the graduates with an audible thud.
Thankfully, the woman hit by the car did not fall to the ground and appeared to be physically okay, though visibly shaken. The driver of the sedan stopped briefly and reportedly asked if she was alright, but then continued driving.
Eyewitness Footage Fuels Public Anger
A bystander caught the moment on video and shared it on Instagram, where it quickly spread. The footage shows a large group of pedestrians mid-crossing when the car cuts through without slowing. The graduate, shielding her face from the rain, didn’t see the vehicle approaching from her right side. However, many argue that her visibility didn’t matter—she was in a crosswalk with the right-of-way.
Adding to public frustration, police officers were nearby, including one reportedly stationed inside a Trader Joe’s with a clear view of the incident, but no immediate action was taken. The driver was not stopped, nor was a citation issued on the scene.
Public Reaction: “Please Leave Cars Alone – It’s Always the Driver”
The lack of police response and the apparent normalization of the driver’s behavior have drawn sharp criticism online. Social media comments reflected a mix of sarcasm, disbelief, and genuine concern for the state of pedestrian safety in urban areas.
“Cars fault. Pedestrians had the walk signal,” wrote user ish_ofthe_gram.
“Doesn’t even matter. If there’s 20 people crossing. You don’t go,” argued anthony_mancino23.
“Police do not care,” added Confused-Gent, echoing many viewers’ frustration with law enforcement’s inaction.
User liminally_ill added a layer of dark humor to the discussion:
“Everyone saying it was the car’s fault but it wasn’t. The car wouldn’t have done that if it weren’t for the person driving. It’s always the driver’s fault. Please leave cars alone.”
A Larger Problem: Pedestrian vs. Car Culture
The viral nature of the incident has touched a nerve in a city where car-pedestrian incidents are not uncommon. Despite efforts by D.C. to improve crosswalk safety and enforce Vision Zero policies, drivers routinely ignore crosswalk signals, and enforcement is often inconsistent.
Many commenters pointed out that drivers remain protected from weather and risk, while pedestrians often navigate unsafe crossings, especially during storms.
“One of the things that piss me off the most is people in cars, protected from the rain, that don’t bother to give way to pedestrians,” wrote Beyond_clueless745.
Who’s at Fault?
Legally, drivers are required to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks—especially when the walk signal is active. In this case, the student had the legal right-of-way, and the driver’s failure to yield could be interpreted as reckless driving or failure to obey traffic signals, both of which are citable offenses.
Yet, no charges have been confirmed, and the driver remains unidentified in official reports.
A Symbol for Graduates Entering Uncertain Times
In a twist of irony, the graduate who was hit—thankfully without serious injuries—has now become a viral symbol for the chaotic world 2025 graduates are entering. The moment has been jokingly referred to as a metaphor for how the world “welcomes” new graduates: with a storm, a speeding car, and total indifference from those in power.
The Instagram user thekutekoala, who posted the video, captioned it with:
“The economy greeting class of 2025 with open arms.”
Looking Ahead
The incident has renewed calls for stronger pedestrian protections in D.C., better enforcement of crosswalk laws, and accountability for reckless drivers. Advocates are urging city officials to review traffic camera footage, investigate the driver’s actions, and re-examine police protocols for responding to pedestrian accidents.
As for the graduate, she’s become an unwilling face of a much larger conversation—one that questions how much value we place on pedestrian safety in car-dominated cities.
Have information about the incident? Contact the Washington D.C. Department of Transportation or the Metropolitan Police Department to report any tips or concerns.
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