Car Strikes Teen Crossing Shoreline Blvd Tuesday

A vehicle hit a 17-year-old boy Tuesday, police officials reported Wednesday afternoon.

The student at Mountain View Academy crossed at the crosswalk on the 200 block of S. Shoreline Boulevard on his way to school at approximately 7:48 a.m. when the vehicle, traveling southbound, struck him. He received non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital, according to Mountain View Police Department spokesman Sgt. Sean THompson.

"Preliminary investigation reveals the driver was at fault for failure to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk," said Thompson. There's no evidence of excessive speed or driving under the influence.

Several pedestrians—including children—and bicyclists have been injuried by vehicles in the past several years.

As a result, the MVPD has increased its efforts to prevent injuries to pedestrians by motorists across the city with pedestrian decoy operations.

What do you think about the pedestrian safety around Mountain View? Tell us in the comments!

Police remind drivers, in their press statement—that under California law, motorists "are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians in a crosswalk, however, many roll right through them creating a dangerous situation."

The MVPD also shared:

• In California, pedestrian deaths occur in approximately 19 percent of all traffic fatalities. Drive cautiously when pedestrians are near because they may suddenly cross your path.
• Pedestrians may be at risk walking near hybrid and electric vehicles because these vehicles are virtually silent while operating. Use extra caution when driving near pedestrians.
• Respect the right-of-way of pedestrians. Always stop for any pedestrian crossing at corners or other crosswalks, even if the crosswalk is in the middle of the block, at corners with or without traffic lights, whether or not the crosswalks are marked by painted lines.
• Do not pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian you cannot see may be crossing the street. Stop, then proceed when all pedestrians have crossed the street.
• Do not drive on a sidewalk, except to cross it to enter or exit a driveway or alley. When crossing, yield to all pedestrians.
• Do not stop in a crosswalk. You will place pedestrians in danger.
• Remember, if a pedestrian makes eye contact with you, he or she is ready to cross the street. Yield to the pedestrian.
• Allow older pedestrians, disabled pedestrians and pedestrians with young children sufficient time to cross the street.
• A crosswalk is the part of the roadway set aside for pedestrian traffic. Most intersections have a pedestrian crosswalk whether or not lines are painted on the street. Most crosswalks are located at corners, but they can also be located in the middle of the block. Before turning a corner, watch for people about to cross the street. Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks.
• Crosswalks are often marked with white lines. Yellow crosswalk lines may be painted at school crossings. Most often, crosswalks in residential areas are not marked.
• Some crosswalks have flashing lights to warn you that pedestrians may be crossing. Look for pedestrians and be prepared to stop, whether or not the lights are flashing.

The Mountain View Police Department seeks the public's assistance and is asking that anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact the Mountain View Police Department. Investigators can be reached at 650-903-6344.

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