Last Friday, a 41-year old nanny was killed and a 14-month-old serious injured in an intersection accident in Rancho Santa Fe. According to authorities, the driver of an SUV ran a red light. She hit the nanny and stroller in the intersection, dragging them across the street.
A Good Samaritan bicyclist who came upon the scene stopped and pulled the young child from his stroller, which was wedged under the SUV's bumper. Thanks to her, and the nanny's quick actions, the child is going to be okay.
The woman who caused the pedestrian accident is cooperating with police. She will likely face criminal charges along with personal injury lawsuits from both the nanny's family and the child.
Accidents at Intersections
According to the National Transportation Safety Administration, nearly forty percent of all U.S. accidents occur at intersections. Most of these accidents -- 96 percent-- are caused by driver error, including:
- Inadequate surveillance (44.1 percent)
- False assumption of another driver's actions (8.4 percent)
- Turning with an obstructed view (7.8 percent)
- Illegal maneuver (6.8 percent)
- Distracted driving (5.7 percent)
- Misjudgment of another driver's speed (5.5 percent)
While the reason why the woman decided to run a red light in the Rancho Santa Fe accident remains unknown, it is probable that inadequate surveillance played a role in the fatalities.
Source: San Diego 7, " Bicyclist Who Pulled Toddler From Stroller Wreckage Speaks Out," Monica Garske, Chris Chan, Feb. 3, 2013