FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Driver Seriously Injures 18-Year-Old Pedestrian in Linda Vista
SAN DIEGO (August 2, 2017) – An 18-year-old male pedestrian sustained serious, life-threatening injuries after being struck by a car in Linda Vista on August 1, 2017. In daylight at approximately 8:25 AM, the teenager attempted to cross Linda Vista Road near Fulton Street, a four-lane road with numerous homes and stores in direct proximity. An 82-year-old driving a 2016 Hyundai Sonata struck the pedestrian on the 30 MPH road, causing a brain bleed.
“Our streets must be designed to be forgiving and to protect the most vulnerable from human error,” said Maya Rosas, Advocacy Manager for Circulate San Diego. “Traffic injuries and deaths are preventable. We know how to make streets safer for all with high visibility crosswalks and traffic calming. It’s up to our leaders to prioritize these improvements for everyone’s benefit.”
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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