Just hours after the Sacramento Police Department blasted a press release, sounding the warning for pedestrians and drivers and the influx of fatal incidents, a fatal incident occurs in East Sacramento
Here is Wednesday's SacPD Press Release with details of Tuesday's fatal incident on H Street at San Miguel Way:
On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, at approximately 4:47 p.m., officers from the Sacramento Police Department responded to the area of H Street and San Miguel Way on a traffic collision involving a pedestrian.
Officers arrived on scene and contacted the pedestrian whom officers determined was struck by a motorized bicyclist. The pedestrian, a 73-year-old male, was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. The operator of the motorized bicycle, a 54-year-old male, was escorted by officers to a nearby hospital as a precaution.
Officers determined that the motorized bicycle was traveling westbound H Street when it struck the pedestrian whom was crossing H Street in a northbound direction. Traffic in the area was impacted as H Street was temporarily closed during the evening commute.
During the investigation, hospital staff advised the pedestrian succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital. The identity of the pedestrian will be released by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office once next of kin has been notified.
The Sacramento Police Department encourages any witnesses with information regarding this incident to contact the dispatch center at (916) 808-5471 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Witnesses may also submit an anonymous tip using the free “P3 Tips” smartphone app. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.
Here is the Media Advisory/News Release SacPD issued just hours prior to the above incident Tuesday:
According to the Office of Traffic Safety, “The number of pedestrians killed on California roadways continues to rise at an alarming rate. In 2016, 867 pedestrians died, a nearly 33 percent increase from 2012. More than 14,000 pedestrians were injured.”
Last year in 2018, our City saw 18 pedestrians killed on Sacramento roadways. This year so far, we are already at four.
On March 19th, 2019, at 5:14 a.m., officers responded to the area of Mack Road and Stockton Boulevard regarding a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian had severe injuries and was transported to a local area hospital. It was later determined the pedestrian crossed Stockton Boulevard outside of the crosswalk and was struck by a passing vehicle. The pedestrian succumbed to her injuries.
On February 28th, 2019, at 9:54 p.m., officers responded to the area of El Camino Avenue and Erickson Street regarding a pedestrian laying in the roadway with severe injuries. It was later determined the pedestrian was crossing El Camino Avenue outside of a crosswalk when she was struck by a passing vehicle. The vehicle fled the scene and later returned. The pedestrian succumbed to her injuries.
On January 18th, 2019, at 6:11 a.m., officers responded to the 4600 block of Folsom Boulevard regarding a body found on the side of the road. It was later determined a pedestrian was walking along the eastbound lanes of Folsom Boulevard (in either the bicycle lane or roadway) when she was struck from behind by a vehicle travelling eastbound. The vehicle fled the scene. The pedestrian succumbed to her injuries.
Here are a few safety reminders for pedestrians and drivers:
PEDESTRIANS
Only cross in designated crosswalks or at intersections
Make eye contact with drivers and get a commitment before crossing
Stay alert; avoid using electronics and other devices
Wear bright or reflective clothing
Do not walk in the roadway
DRIVERS
Stay alert; avoid being distracted by using electronic devices
Obey posted speed laws
Look ahead and down the road
Make complete stops prior to crosswalks and limit lines