A tragic fatality last weekend marked San Francisco’s third fatal pedestrian accident since the beginning of the new year. The pedestrians injured in all three of the accidents were senior citizens, leading some San Francisco residents to call for greater emphasis on creating senior-friendly streets.
The city’s latest pedestrian accident occurred in the SoMa neighborhood, at the intersection of 2nd street and Townsend Street. According to witnesses, the 72-year-old victim was struck by the driver of a large crane truck while attempting to make a left-hand turn. Police investigators have reported that the victim was walking within the boundaries of the crosswalk at the time of the accident.
The collision took place directly outside the headquarters of the San Francisco Fire Department. Due to this placement, Fire Department officials were able to quickly arrive at the scene of the accident, along with several emergency responders. The 72-year-old pedestrian was transported to a local San Francisco hospital, but her physicians were not able to save her life.
The San Francisco Police Department states the driver of the crane truck was released from the scene without criminal charges. Initial reports indicate that the driver was not operating his vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, but an official verdict is pending further tests.
The deceased woman joins an 87-year-old woman and a 75-year-old man as San Francisco’s third pedestrian accident victim in less than three months. As rising gas prices, environmental concerns, and a growing population cause higher amounts of pedestrian traffic in San Francisco concerned citizens are hoping that city officials will find a way to better protect all of the city’s pedestrians, especially the elderly.
Source: Streets San Francisco, “Woman Dies After Being Struck by Crane Truck.” Bryan Goebel, 18 March 2011
