A 57-year-old man was killed Thursday night after he stepped in front of a sport utility vehicle on Hwy. 20, authorities said.

Traffic was disrupted for about an hour between Samples Road and Holly Court as authorities investigated the incident, which occurred about 6 p.m.

Forsyth County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Shelton said the man, who was walking east along Hwy. 20, was struck by a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee heading in the same direction.

Authorities declined to release the pedestrian’s name until his family had been notified.

Shelton said the driver tried to slow down and veered to the left to avoid the pedestrian, but the side of the vehicle struck the man.

“The driver said he saw him walking down the road and (the pedestrian) turned in front him,” Shelton said. “He said he was unavoidable.”

Sheriff’s Cpl. David Garrison said the wreck remains under investigation and it is unclear why the pedestrian stepped into the road.

For updates, check back at forsythnews.com or see the next edition of the Forsyth County News.