2 Pedestrians Hit by Vehicles in 2 Days

Here's an announcement from the :

The Livermore Police Department would like to remind our community’s drivers to pay attention while driving, and be vigilant for pedestrians crossing roadways.

On Wednesday, Jan. 18, at about 7 a.m., a 31-year-old woman was crossing Bluebell Drive near the Springtown Library. She was crossing from South to North. As she crossed the westbound lane of Bluebell Drive, an approaching vehicle stopped in the westbound lane to allow the woman to cross the roadway. A second vehicle came up behind the stopped car and decided to pass that stopped car on the right side. As the second car passed the stopped car, it struck the pedestrian near the north curb. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital where she was hospitalized with a broken leg. Both drivers stopped at the scene to render aid to the pedestrian and to assist with the police investigation.

On Thursday, Jan. 19, at about 12 noon, a 53-year-old male was crossing Fourth Street near South “J” Street. The pedestrian was crossing from south to north and had made it to the No. 2 westbound lane of Fourth Street, when he was struck by a vehicle traveling westbound on Fourth Street. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital for treatment. The pedestrian suffered two broken legs and is expected to survive. The driver in this incident immediately stopped as well as several witnesses who rendered aid to the pedestrian. The subsequent investigation caused Fourth Street to be closed in both directions for about two and a half hours.

Pedestrian involved injury collisions have been on the rise in Livermore for the last several years. In 2009 there were 10 pedestrians injured in roadway collisions. That number rose to 17 in 2010 and 18 in 2011. There have been no fatal pedestrian involved collisions in Livermore since July 13, 2008, when a pedestrian was struck and killed as he ran across East Avenue near Jensen Street. 

Drivers and pedestrians have equal responsibilities in the efforts to reduce pedestrian involved collisions. Drivers should take extra caution when approaching crosswalks and intersections. Look for pedestrians near the crosswalk and prepare to yield when they enter the crosswalk. When driving in a residential area, particularly during the afternoon hours, or near a school zone, scan ahead for pedestrian traffic, especially for children, who may suddenly run out into the roadway. Extra caution should apply in the evening hours.

Pedestrians should always use designated crosswalks when crossing a busy roadway. Assume that the driver can’t see you until you have made eye contact.  Once in the crosswalk continue to scan for traffic in each lane of traffic. When in doubt, yield to vehicle traffic. These are basic rules of the road; however pedestrian accidents continue to occur when drivers and/or pedestrians ignore these rules.

The Livermore Police Department Traffic Unit’s primary goal is to reduce traffic collisions, particularly those involving pedestrians, as those often result in serious injury.  If you have questions regarding pedestrian safety, or general traffic issues, you can contact the Livermore Police Department Traffic Unit at 925-371-4850.