The 69-year-old was walking her dog on a curved, hilly stretch of Dexter Street, in Cook, about 4.25pm on Friday.

The dog, which was not on a lead, is believed to have suddenly run out on to the road. The woman reportedly ran after the dog and was hit by a car coming downhill along the curving road.

She was thrown into the car's windscreen and suffered critical head injuries.

Paramedics rushed her to the Canberra Hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries early yesterday morning.

Neighbours described the crash as ''awful'' and as a ''shock'' for the sleepy street.

The woman, who lived nearby, was well-known to many on Dexter Street. Neighbours described her as a ''lovely lady'' who lived a happy life, always stopping for a chat during her regular walks with her schnauzer.

One neighbour said she lived alone and loved the dog dearly, taking it for walks three times a day. The dog is now being cared for by friends.

The accident blocked off the street for hours on Friday night, as investigators with the Collision Investigation and Reconstruction Team examined the scene.

Police renewed their calls for witnesses yesterday, urging anyone who has not spoken to police to come forward.

The road has very little traffic and one neighbour said she rarely saw speeding or dangerous driving. ''It's so quiet around here,.'' But, she said, the curve of the road made it difficult to react quickly.

The death is the ninth fatality on ACT roads this year.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or through the website.