By Raiza Giorgi
A 70-year-old Solvang woman was walking in the crosswalk at Mission Drive and Fourth Place in Solvang and was struck around 9 a.m. Thursday morning, according to the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department.
The woman was walking northbound in the crosswalk when an 88-year-old Solvang man driving eastbound struck her and told Sheriff’s deputies he was blinded by the sun and did not see her in the crosswalk.
The woman landed approximately 10-12 feet from where she was struck and transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
The driver was not cited as it appeared to be an accident.
The Sheriff’s Office wants to take this opportunity to remind community members to look both ways when crossing the street and to never expect that a car is going to stop for you. Drivers should always be especially vigilant when approaching a crosswalk and to look out for pedestrians.
Here are some more safety tips:
Drivers can:
– Look out for pedestrians, especially in hard-to-see conditions such as at night or in bad weather.
– Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk where pedestrians are likely to be.
– Stop at the crosswalk stop line to give drivers in other lanes an opportunity to see and yield to the pedestrians too.
– Be cautious when backing up – pedestrians, especially young children, can move across your path.
Pedestrians can:
– Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road, cross at crosswalks or intersections, and obey signs and signals. Walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible if there is no sidewalk.
– Pay attention to the traffic moving around you. This is not the time to be texting or talking on a cell phone.
– Make eye contact with drivers as they approach. Never assume a driver sees you.
– Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials (or use a flashlight) at night.
– Look left-right-left before crossing a street.
