FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Maya Rosas
Cell: (310) 804-5256
Hit and Run Driver Seriously Injures Pedestrian on Vision Zero Corridor
SAN DIEGO (August 4, 2017) – A 55-year-old male pedestrian sustained serious injuries after a driver hit the pedestrian and fled the scene in Hillcrest on August 3, 2017. At approximately 8:30 PM, the man attempted to cross University Avenue near Richmond Street. University Avenue is one of the eight most dangerous corridors in the City of San Diego. According to the San Diego Police Department, the unknown driver in the hit and run has not been apprehended and a description of the vehicle is not available.
“Vision Zero corridors such as University Avenue where collision data shows that lives are in danger must be prioritized for safety improvements,” said Maya Rosas, Advocacy Manager for Circulate San Diego. “Traffic injuries and deaths are preventable. The city has made progress towards achieving Vision Zero, but there is still a lot more that needs to be done.”
Circulate San Diego and a diverse coalition of 20 organizations have promoted a program for the last two years called Vision Zero, with the goal to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in San Diego by 2025. Mayor Faulconer and the San Diego City Council adopted a 10-year Vision Zero strategy in 2015.
The concept behind Vision Zero is that traffic deaths are preventable – through safe street design, education and enforcement. The program has been successful in other U.S. and European cities. To date, 20 cities across the United States have adopted a Vision Zero goal.
Last year was the third year in a row in the City of San Diego with an increase in pedestrian deaths. In June, the City of San Diego recently committed to making improvements to the 15 most dangerous intersections, but yesterday’s injury shows that more work is needed.
About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go to www.circulatesd.org.
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