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One of two people hit in a Pleasanton crosswalk on Oct. 12 has died.
“We received word that the female pedestrian succumbed to her injuries last night,” Pleasanton police said. “The extent of her injuries and the exact cause of death are not known to the police department at this time.”
The Alameda County Coroner’s Office confirmed the woman’s identity as Yizhen Zhou, 65. The names of the driver and the woman’s husband, who was also struck, are not being released by police.
The woman and her husband were crossing Santa Rita Road at a crosswalk at the end of Francisco Street at about 8:37 p.m. last Saturday. Both sustained what police described as “severe injuries.”
Pleasanton Police Sgt. Robert Leong said hospital officials described the man in “serious but alert” condition.
The driver, identified as a 49-year-old Danville woman, stopped at the scene and is cooperating with police.
Flashing yellow lights embedded in the Santa Rita Road crosswalk had been removed earlier; yellow warning lights on posts facing traffic in both directions were operating when the couple crossed Santa Rita.
The crosswalk has four overhead flashing yellow lights, two in each direction. The overhead lights are activated when a pedestrian pushes a button at the edge of the road and were working at the time of the accident, according to a statement from Pleasanton City Attorney Jonathan Lowell.
“The embedded lights were removed four days prior to the accident in order to allow for installation of new embedded lights,” Lowell said.
“The accident occurred before the new lights were installed,” he explained.
Leong said the couple was crossing from the Amador Center shopping center, apparently headed to their home.
The crash closed Santa Rita Road for several hours Saturday night. The Pleasanton Police Department’s Special Operations Unit were called out and will be handling the investigation.
The cause of the accident has not been determined.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the Pleasanton Police Department at 931-5100.
i am very sorry for the loss of this person, my prayers go out to this family.
lets talk about the real problem in town, people think they are deserving of living here and they are above all others and laws. take for example bicyclist in town who have a complete disregaurd for the laws of the road to which they are bound by. NO BICYCLST MAKES STOPS AT STOP SIGNS. THEY CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC AS IF EVERYONE OWES THEM SOMETHING. just arrogant fools these people.
how about the constant rule breakers at all the schools in town every day, go any morning or afternoon and its just a big ” I COULD CARE LESS ABOUT THE KIDS, THE LAWABIDING DRIVERS, AND THE RULES ” COME ON PLEASANTON POLICE DEPARTMENT DO YOUR JOBS and let these people know they cant get away with this garbage, do it before some kid is KILLED.
back to the lousy people who have become residents here. DOG WALKERS. since when has every flat area of grass become your dogs restroom. i see people standing halfway up someones lawn letting the dog take a dump. some clean up, others dont. who said it was ok for you to be there in the first place. this is the arrogant fools living this town.
this used to be a good town of nice people once. been here 41 years, i know. wasnt perfect, but we certainly didnt have the fools that call this home. problem is people in this town are not good people any more. dont be fooled, plenty of road rage to go around for everyone.
Couldn’t be more right. The adults in this town are very poor examples.
I am very sorry about the loss of life.
Pleasanton probably isn’t the kind of town somebody should live in if they can’t afford to own a car. When we pay the kind of money we do for our homes, there is the expectation that we can drive our cars without pedestrians and bicyclists running under our tires.
What a strange comment by Bernice. I live in a town where property values are much higher than Pleasanton, and there are pedestrians and bicyclists all over. Since when does living in an expensive area mean you don’t walk anywhere?
Second, who’s to say these people didn’t own a car? Sometimes people like to get out and walk places, especially if they live somewhat close to stores, restaurants, etc.
Remind me to stay out of Ruby Hill if I’m outside of my car. Geez.
I just heard about this tragic accident this evening. It hits home for me because I am the Crossing Guard on the corner of Valley Ave. & Northway Rd. by Harvest Park Middle School. I have been on the same corner during the school session for seven years. I have witnessed all kinds of bad behavior by drivers, both young and old. Speed is a huge problem and just this year they added lights to poles that flash when they are activated by pressing a button. The small flashing lights that are on the pavement sometimes work and sometime do not work. They were always difficult for the cars to see because of the grade of Valley Ave. We also have a voice warning that goes on warning that the cars may not stop. I can tell you that this year the added lights on the poles have helped stop the cars and you can see them flashing from about a block away. I would like to add, that all the children I cross know the rules and are very careful and wait for me. My biggest problem are the adults, joggers, bike riders & some men, who find it belittling to be crossed by a School crossing guard. I have been cussed at, given the “finger”, shouted at etc. but I feel the adults need to abide by the same rules as the children and set an example.
Bernice Pittlekow, I have to say that is one of the most self-centered and callous comments I have ever seen. Who says these people don’t own a car? Someone can’t take a walk on a sidewalk in America? And how is someone’s right to live in a city determined by their wealth or ownership of a vehicle? In whose United States does the size or cost of your home give you the right to drive you car without any pedestrians or bicyclists? And by the way, Ruby Hill is hardly the bastion of wealth you seem to think it is. If you had any real money you’d have a house in Atherton or Hillsborough, where, ironically, there are a TON of cyclists that are billionaires.
Why are you saying “Pleasanton PD do your jobs?” They do! Pleasanton PD is very oriented at traffic safety and often do issue citations for the many violations which happen in the city. The reality is they can’t be everywhere at once and drivers are ultimately responsible for obeying the law. The officers simply enforce it when violations are observed.
It seems to go back and fourth. As soon as PPD issues citations, people cry that they should be looking for real crime but when fatal accidents happen, people cry that PPD should be enforcing the vehicle code.
As stated above, I for one believe the members of PPD do a great job to keep us safe all the way around.
That is a scary place for a crosswalk. I always cringe when I see people crossing here. Drivers don’t expect a crosswalk in the middle of the street with no traffic lights. They are on the phone or otherwise absorbed and routinely do not see the flashing lights. Drivers who do stop take off as soon as the person passes in front of them. I wait until they’re completely across to help other approaching drivers notice a person is crossing-otherwise with everone speeding off as soon as they can the pedestrian will get hit when they’re near the end of the crosswalk. There needs to be a traffic light here that pedestrians can activate like at Amador. This will not be the last accident here, sparkly road lights or not.
My thoughts & prayers for the couple. May she rest in peace!
And to Bernice Pittlekow- wow! What a very selfish & heartless comment!
KTVU ran this story on the 10 o’clock news and the neighbors had been complaining for months. It looks like from the footage that the crosswalk STILL has no lights.
http://www.ktvu.com/videos/news/pleasanton-fatal-accident-at-dangerous-crosswalk/vCFw3k/
What people like bitter Bernice need to learn is that they are no more important than anyone else. I don’t care where you live or who you think that you are! I doubt that you even live in Ruby Hills and furthermore I think that Ruby Hills is an eyesore that never should have been erected! I used to roam those hills and now look at how butchered they are. Quite a hideous facade, much like your attitude.
You are just another self righteous troll that doesn’t even belong in the area; and yet you think that you know how others should behave here? Your lack of regard shows how smug that you are and reveals the ugliness of your petty existence.
We’ll walk and ride our bikes forever and even defecate on your lawn if we feel so inclined!
A heavy heart to the victims of this tragic accident.
R.I.P.
BERNICE WAS JUST BEING SARCASTIC, IS MY GUESS, SO GET OVER IT. SHE IS PROBABLY ORIGINALLY FROM NYC. Bernice: sarcasm just doesn’t work on some people. Forget about it!
MJ, You are right on. This is a really dumb place for a crosswalk. The best thing to do is just GET RID OF IT. People can cross at Valley and Santa Rita, by the Chevron station…no need to walk 50-100 feet down and cross to Francisco, at this death trap.
Seems it requires a death for the traffic folks in the city offices to walk up and remove the darn thing….Even a regular light is wrong. Drivers having just stopped and waited at the Valley/Santa Rita corner are not going to welcome another stop a few feet later. GET RID OF THAT CROSSWALK, unless someone can come up with a rational reason for its existence. Too many accidents there through the years.
Sorry for the typo, above. Meant to say: Seems it requires a death, for the traffic folks in the city offices to WAKE up and remove the darn thing
People have a false sense of security when crossing the street with the flashing lights in the street. My guess is that these people pushed the button and started walking. Santa Rita is a heavily traveled road and putting that cross walk in that location is bad business. The problem is that people from that neighborhood don’t want to be bothered walking all the way to the intersection and crossing at the light. I am sure the city tried to accommodate them because people were crossing an uncontrolled major roadway and nearly getting hit because they didn’t want to walk all the way to the light. Options – install a traffic light to accommodate the few, or remove the cross walk and hope the kids don’t get hit running across the road, or keep the cross walk and post a sign telling pedestrians to look both ways and notify them that someone got killed crossing here so be careful. You might have the right of way, but if you get hit by a car it doesn’t matter.
Maybe a pedestrian overpass?
It is not only unsafe for pedestrians, a year or two ago I was rear ended when I stopped for someone in the crosswalk. The person that hit me wanted to know why I stopped. It is a strange place to have a crosswalk.
So sad for the family about this tragic loss.
And Bernice, for crying out loud, YOU are exactly why I am always reluctant to tell people I live in Ruby Hill. Your arrogant, presumptuous and selfish comment just perpetuates the stereotype that Ruby Hill is chock full of entitled-sounding snobs like you, who think they are better than everyone else. Many of us who live here are just hard-working, down to earth people. We try to dispel the bad example you set for our neighborhood, by being down to earth, kind, considerate, respectful and helpful toward everyone in this town we cross paths with, every single day. You might want to try that yourself. It works really well.
Deborah, see my comment above.
Again, I think Bernice was trying to make a point with her sarcasm. She says she is sorry about the loss of life…and I thinks means it. Then goes on to jab at the people who disrespect pedestrians and bicyclists with her sarcasm, Reread her comment…see the sarcasm.
Bernice: No idea why some people can’t get it, but my advice is not to try it on the west coast of the USA.
Anyone that responds to the comment from Bernice is a fool. Do you think someone really would post those comments that lives in Ruby? Clearly it is someone trying to enrage people further with Ruby Residents. Probably a troll.
I would like everyone that is so concerned about this poor woman (probably a mom, grandmother) to attend her funeral and see all of the grieving taking place. Go say these things to each other instead of hiding behind the Internet. Go ahead and use your last name on the post if you are proud of your comments????
I am sorry about this but am not surprised. As I walk my dog each day, I am fearful of crossing Valley at Paseo Santa Cruz. Several times a year, I have been forced to run for my life as cars accelerated toward me. Mornings when high school kids, parents with kids and commuters are oblivious to pedestrians.
This crosswalk is not at an intersection. It will continue to be dangerous no matter how many lights are flashing. The lights give the pedestrians a false sense of security, and they don’t change the fact that some drivers just aren’t expecting a crosswalk in the middle of the block – especially those going toward downtown Pleasanton who have just passed through the crosswalks at a major intersection.
If there is to be a pedestrian crossing there is seems that there are two safe solutions: (1) Make the signal light at the crossing turn RED not yellow. Drivers understand red lights. Or (2) build a pedestrian bridge walkway that goes over the road.
I was surprised, too, the first time I came across that flashing yellow pedestrian crossing as a driver. Never felt very comfortable with the sudden “surprise” crossing right in the middle of a busy 4-lane road far from any intersection. A green-yellow-red signal light there would make it OK, though.
Such a sad and tragic event. Sorry for the family and husband loss.
The cross walk w/flashing lights has been across the park, Safeway, Starbucks, etc, for many years. Just because we remove the lights for a few days doesn’t give anyone a right to fly through the section. This was a night-time incident. Sounds like the city or street works should have had some temporary flashing sign in the dark to remind drivers that the road is under construction and take it slow.
Many children play soccer and other sport in that park….crossing at the major intersection doesn’t make it any safer. Especially crossing the 4 driveway entrances from the gas station down to the Starbucks…..
Glad the Shakespeare festival wasn’t going on…people crossing with folding chairs and blankets…or a major swim meet…..
Today I noticed 2 things:
1: A few minutes after 8AM a woman on the residential side of the crosswalk pressed the button. The sign lights flashed,2-3 vehicles continued on but I was the 1st to stop and all vehicles on both sides stopped.
The woman did not cross after the cars stopped, she stood on the residential side for 3-45 sec talking on her cell. The cars still waited and she finally walked across (still talking on cell and not looking right or left)
2: Several minutes (less than 30) after observation #1, I noticed 2 white (city vehicles?) on the Safeway side doing some work on the crosswalk.
A bit too late for the victims.
Would the lighted crosswalk have prevented the accident? Did the victims look both ways (and look again at center divide *if they made it that far*
On 1 above, I did notice the flashing sign lights (but I think it was because I was looking for them)
One solution that I like- pedestrian sky bridge. Yes it maybe expensive, and it may not look natural, but preventing another loss would be worth it.
By the way – Another very dangerous crossing is near the freeway off ramp (next to trader Joes)
Very very sad. No one wanted this to happen, but it did. The city wanted to be responsible and replace lights that weren’t working correctly. The driver operated his vehicle counting on the lights to tell him if it was his time to cross. The pedestrians followed the plan of walking in the cross walk.
Often times, and I am on the road regularly, pedestrians do not look for “Eye Contact” with drivers before and while crossing. I’ve always taught my kids to not depend on lights because the lights can’t hurt them, cars can and drivers can get distracted, as I have myself. I tell them make “Eye Contact” with the driver to be sure they see you, then cross in front of the car, in the crosswalk when the light gives you the right to cross.
Everyone pushes the envelope on intersections. Cars and people crossing. Lights vary on times in which they change colors so it can be hard to know if you can drive through the yellow lights or have enough time to walk across safely. Either way the LIGHTS NEED to be WORKING AT ALL TIMES, or they should NOT BE WORKED ON. Temporary Lights can be placed in positions, in the rare cases that work is not completed. The City needs to take Partial responsibility in this situation.
The failure to replace the flashing lights in a timely example is sometimes typical of how the City fixes things. We had a sidewalk under construction on W Las Positas for months where I watched a child riding their bike to Fairlands school take a spill. I have seen new pavement with dangerous 3 inch cutouts around the metal main lids go for days without being refilled – very dangerous to bicyclists and pedestrians especiallyt during dark hours. – – Our city works and streets needs to take care of critical safety issues same day, not just when they get around to it.
@Dan – Thanks for keeping our kids safe at Valley and Northway!
Whether Bernice was serious or sarcastic, this is hardly the place for jokes. No I won’t “get over it”. Maybe it’s because it wasn’t one of her family members under the tires.
RIP…
Clearly @Bernice was being sarcastic. I believe that she agrees with me about the comments made by @VERY BAD and @Don the great Crossing Guard.
I agree Pleasanton PD does a good job. But how about getting more traffic enforcement by extra focus on known trouble spots. How about reviving the sworn Reserve Officer program? (The volunteer patrols, etc are great — but they cannot make traffic stops or issue citations).
And many other departments have set up “stings” at crosswalks like the one mentioned. A volunteer hits the button for the lights and steps to the edge of the curb.
Cars that don’t stop are greeted by police officers waiting down the road. In other cities, even with 4 officers assigned, there was more business than could be handled — and the operation paid for itself even though cities only get a small percentage of traffic fines.
By the way, in one city the pedestrian was a uniformed police officer. They stopped doing that because cars would skid to a stop in the middle of the intersection. So they went with a Big Bird costume.
Since the ciy went to the cost of overhead and in-street lights, anyone know why they haven’t put in a pedestrian stop light like at Amador H.S.?
I have a recommendation similar to Look Both Ways. In San Francisco I have seen on Geary St. where there are pedestrian crossings some not at intersections, there is one crosswalk with an outline of a body in white paint. Whenever I see that and plan to cross the street, it really makes me extra cautious knowing someone died crossing there before. It is kind of a sad thing to see the body outline, but everyone gets the message. And it may get more attention than a sign which pedestrians may not take the time to read.
I was just telling my husband on the way home last night how when did “Santa Rita Road” become “Santa Rita Expressway” it is crazy…. I keep to the speed limit and it is never enough. The fact that these lights were removed by the city is careless.
This is a tragedy for their entire family and the city of Pleasanton.
I think that the PPD does a relatively good job but their eyes are closed when it come to red light runners, especially at Valley & Hopyard on the left hand turns. The city could make a fortune if an officer was there giving out tickets.
To all that said Bernice was being sarcastic: It can be pretty difficult to pick up on sarcasm on a message board or in a text. Usually sarcasm is better understood with a TONE to the statement, which clearly is hard to convey through text.
I hope she was being sarcastic. However, I’ve seen enough ridiculous comments on various topics through this website that I wouldn’t be surprised if he comment WASN’T sarcastic.
I have lived in Amador Estates for 48 years and two blocks from Santa Rita, I will not even cross the street at Francisco and Santa Rita in my car, because I have almost gotten hit at that intersection, I go down on the frontage road to the stop light at Alisal. There needs to be a stop light at the intersection, it would slow down traffic, there is no need to rush anywhere, that minute or two you save could save someones life, I delivered a student to Fairlands School for 6 years and to Harvest park last year People are crazy when they drive, nothing can be more important than a life, I wish they would think before they step on the gas.
Does any one know why there is a crossing at Francisco? Were local residents just jay walking at that area which made it worse?
Funny how Helen thinks sarcasm is some purely east coast phenomenon! Or was she just being sarcastic? You think it’s OK to poke fun here since it’s only a life lost and another maimed? What a crock and to put it here is simply fiendish and trolling; but P.W. would rather censor my comments because they aren’t Pleasant enough for the selective editor? Does it really make sense to leave up the original hurtful commentary? To pretend that we are just speedbumps to the rich going about with their affairs?
Oh and is that your last name McDaddy? Kind of hypocritical don’t you think?
Some crossings should probably be moved but you always have those people that dart out into the street or don’t know the laws so you must watch out for that behavior. No driver should depend on flashing lights to warn them of crossing pedestrians. Just because there were warning lights before doesn’t mean anyone should depend on them to slow down now. When you see people attempting to cross any intersection they have the right of way even if it’s unmarked.
To the victim
R.I.P.
My condolences to the family for their loss.
In spite of what happened, it’s so sad to hear people respond to this thread out of pure ignorance and pure selfishness. Just because you don’t do things other people do, like, walking, biking and walking dogs, it doesn’t make them inferior to you. People are enjoying what’s out there, the fresh air and being healthy. The comments from the first thread and Bernice Pittlekow are detrimental. Whether it’s out of pure sarcasm or not, it doesn’t matter
It never ceases to amaze me how you people love to over analyze anything and everything that happens in P Town. You all think you have the answers to everything and anything that happens. Did it occur to any of you that this was unfortunate tragic accident and things happen like this everyday. It is Sad, but the reality is that this could happen to any of us. So please stop blaming this, that, an the other. No one can change what has happened or what will happen so get over yourselves. I’m sure who ever hit this poor couple did not intentionally plan on it but the lives of all involved is forever changed. Have some respect and stop acting like you all have the answers cause you clearly don’t. For as much as some of you complain you out to be fortunate that you live in safe town like Pleasanton, (and I don’t care how much you pay to do so)… I couldn’t imagine the majority of you living in a town where things like this or even worse happen on a daily basis. Live your life, stop judging, because you never know when it can be taken from you…
The fact is that the pulled out embedded lights, removed with no public announcement or warning, contributed greatly to this tragedy is indisputable. Please see the CBS news report on this “Did Safety Work Play a Role in Pleasanton Injury Crash?” http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/video/9414357-did-safety-work-play-a-role-in-pleasanton-injury-crash/
The center-of-the-road flashing above ground light, dozens of feet north of the actual crosswalk, is too far North of the actual crosswalk to be effectively seen by those traveling Northbound on Santa Rita. The beacon needs to be directly next to the crosswalk in a raised area with curbs. There also needs to be above ground flashing lights on the left and right side of the road.
What the real issue is that there was complete disrespect to the public by not announcing the embedded crosswalks were being removed, there were no caution signs put in place warning drivers, and the city government looks like a bunch of blundering fools.
Another issue is both the city and school district have been hiring out of town people who have absolutely no commitment to this city, don’t live here, don’t ever intend to live here, will never be part of the community, and don’t know what they are doing. In the past, many responsible for the safety of Pleasanton residents were Pleasanton residents. Now, they are more likely to be from Tracy, Mountain House, Vallejo, Moraga, Alameda, Fremont, etc. and seem to not really care or seem to not really take the time that previous people in these positions took to do things right.
It was completely foreseeable that someone could be seriously injured or killed with the removal of the embedded lights with no notice to the public. With what has happened, several of these people could be subject to wrongful death lawsuits and even criminal charges.
It’s a terrible place for a crosswalk. I certainly wouldn’t try and cross when it’s dusk or dark. Scary. Everyone should cross at the light on Valley or Black.
As for the people here using this accident as a platform for whining about your pet peeves… Ug. Have some respect. Two people out for a walk got hit by a car whose driver didn’t see them at a dangerous crosswalk. Terrible. Not the time to whine about dogs or bikes or…walking people.
There is nothing wrong with the crosswalk being where it is. Even without the flashing lights, its very well marked. The law is that pedestrians always have the right of way. The problem is drivers don’t pay attention. I’ve seen people nearly get hit on several occasions when the lights are flashing. At least twice, I’ve been fortunate enough to be ahead of other traffic and upon noticing those behind me not slowing, I’ve positioned myself in both lanes forcing them to stop. They get mad until they realize why.
So tragic… and we don’t have all the facts. So, I simply say this:
I will only say that anytime you prepare to cross a street, always wait until the car stops and you have eye contact. Then proceed to walk across. If more than 1 lane, be sure you check that cars in the other lanes see you first as well. Never step off thinking they can see you.
I pray for all involved.
Jason, you are describing a dangerous crosswalk to me. Sure the walkers have the right away and drivers “should” be paying better attention, but the fact of the matter, as you have noticed, people don’t. And when it’s dark, it’s worse. But, thanks for trying to get people to stop.
And let’s face it, frequently, the lights are still flashing when the walkers are long gone so people get lulled into thinking the lights don’t necessarily mean there is someone in the crosswalk and drive on through.
Wow…apparently no one reads the vehicle code for California. There is no requirement for ANY lighting. This is because the responsibilty is split between the driver and the the pedestrian. A driver must drive a safe speed and stop for pedestrians who are ESTABLISHED in the crosswalk. The peds must also wait in a place of safety until it is safe to cross. The city has NO liability in this collision.
About Bernice: There are no requirements for this forum regarding who the person really is or where they actually live. As you can see from this posting, it looks like I am from Ruby Hill. I am not.
While it is sad that someone would use this situation for posting, it could be just someone wanting to make Ruby Hill residents look bad.
I see so many walkers, joggers, and bike-riders wearing dark clothing at dawn and dusk that I am amazed that more aren’t injured.
Get rid of that dark clothing and wear something that will make you more visible to drivers. It just might save your life. Don’t become a statistic.
I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Bernice, you are also in my prayers – you need some good thoughts. That comment was not sarcastic L. That was just mean. That is not a topic to be sarcastic about.
I am very sorry about the loss of life. That crossing is treacherous. It was only a matter of time. Don’t have a solution. There are about 3 signs warning of pedestrians. Flashing lights everywhere. I have still seen people barely stop. Makes me sick. The quality of drivers is getting worse.
On my own street, a 25 mile an hour zone, cars consistent touch 40 miles an hour. I have complained twice with no success. The best part is deeper in the neighborhood they have a radar. So the very people speeding down my street have traffic calming near their homes.
I am very sorry about the loss of life. That crossing is treacherous. It was only a matter of time. Don’t have a solution. There are about 3 signs warning of pedestrians. Flashing lights everywhere. I have still seen people barely stop. Makes me sick. The quality of drivers is getting worse.
On my own street, a 25 mile an hour zone, cars consistent touch 40 miles an hour. I have complained twice with no success. The best part is deeper in the neighborhood they have a radar. So the very people speeding down my street have traffic calming near their homes.
In Germany they utilize camera speed traps.
Yes they cost money, but the fines they will generate can be a nice payoff.
Most importantly drivers will soon become aware of these traps, slow down accordingly and should help prevent further pedestrian/motor accidents.
Not to get too personal about where people live, but, there has been a notable number of thoughtless drivers heading through my neighborhood, and since my kids go to a school where many residents drive in from the RH area… Yes, they run through crosswalks in front of Valley View Elementary school with kids in the cross walk…
If there was a way to post a picture in this post. I would out a couple of them right now.
RIP Bernice, for being yourself.
Did I miss something? The comments are directed towards people who live in Pleasanton, but the driver who hit her doesn’t even live here. Read the article before making comments that don’t relate.
Don- Comments are directed to any driver and any pedestrian. Use common sense when driving a vehicle (no cell phone or other distractions) Scan the road in front of you, obey posted speed limits, school zones require extra caution as well.
Pedestrians *avoid distractions aka cell phone* Cross @ cross walks and only when it is safe to do so. (DO NOT) assume a driver will stop, and teach your children to use cross walks as well. I see more incidents of parent + child or child alone crossing street w/o crosswalk, in between parked cars. Also cars parked illegally and kids getting into the cars from the street side of street.
Everyone just needs to play it safe so that we can all enjoy another day.
Why has the identity of the Danville driver been held from the public? Is this because she is from Danville, part of the rich and privileged who think they can silence the details of their criminal acts with status and money? Why are there no details regarding this accident, such as how in the heck could the driver not see the couple crossing the street? There were flashing yellow posts on both sides of traffic and there is sufficient light in the area to detect pedestrians. So again how did this happen? Was the person under the influence, distracted in some way ie. texting, talking on the phone, or simply driving too fast to stop? The public deserves an explanation. I drive thru this intersection EVERY DAY and have done so for the past 20 years. This should not have happened unless the driver was impaired or distracted in some way. This should be a case of involuntary manslaughter. So again why are the details of this accident so secretive? I hope the families of the victims are pursuing this horrific accident and pursuing it to the full extent of the law.
I fully agree with the proposed solutions. Remove the crosswalk altogether or change it to a stoplight when a pedestrian hits the crosswalk button. I think a stop sign may be more disruptive so just remove this crosswalk altogether. Or, put something in place that brings SUPER high visibility to a pedestrian.
My thought and prayers go out to the family.
Driving a car or walking you need to be aware of what’s taking place around you.
I cringe as i see the parents driving their kids to school at break neck speeds with little concern for the kids walking. Would it really be that hard to slow down and show some human concern for others .
Walkers, bike riders, runners and cars all need to use common sense and be curtious to each other .
It does not matter where you live , we all share this town and if you feel you own the road and this town and everyone else in it is just a speed bump in your life, please move. We all deserve to enjoy our town and be safe while doing so. Please don’t bash the person who hit the couple we do not know the circumstances and you can not blame it in where she lives. Walk a mile in her shoes and see how you feel. Let’s all show some human compassion for all parties concerned.
Some drivers are in such a hurry that they don’t look and they don’t seem to care. About a week ago my friend and I were nearly hit while crossing at an intersection downtown at Angela and Peters. I saw a car stopping at the stop sign to our left across from us. I saw that the driver was looking to their right and not at us so as they started up. I grabbed my friend and we stopped. The car accelerated rapidly and turned left towards us while the driver was still looking right. We took a step back and were nearly hit. I waved my arms at the drive and yelled but she just kept going and didn’t even acknowledge that we were there even though she looked at me as she brushed by us. I was so relieved that I had a hunch about this drive and stopped. If we had taken two steps further we would have been clobbered and sent flying. Some drivers are so caught up in their own world that they just don’t care and don’t consider what will happen to them if they hit someone.
What do you expect. We live in a state where practically anyone is handed a drivers license. We give illegal aliens( f u jerry brown) drivers license Scammers hand out fake drivers license for truckers and on and on. So get used to it till the polices of the people in charge change. Which will never happen because the policy of the people in charge are being dictated by the clueless selfish driver who almost hit you and had no idea you even exist, and if she did probably could care less.
Have a nice day
Michael L – This proves once again that once a pedestrian has stepped off the curb they need to be aware of what’s going on like you were.
Thanks goodness you weren’t looking into your cell phone while you were walking across the street like many do.
All starts with “adults” I was @ Disneyland and noticed many people crossing the street while the pedestrian stop light was solid red. (With kids in tow) People are either “too cool” to wait for the green hand or are “too tired” to wait.
****Most important****
Do not rely on green hand alone- drivers oblivious to stop lights/crossing lights, do exist
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Come on people it only takes a minute or 2 and then it is your turn. Metal vs flesh- Metal always wins.
This applies everywhere- Teach your kids to stay alive and enjoy more of life.