California Highway Patrol reported a tragic crash on Highway 9 in Felton where four bicyclists were struck by an 85-year-old woman driving a blue Kia Forta. The accident occurred around 6:21 pm at Glengarry Road and Highway 9.
The woman was traveling north on Highway 9 as all four cyclists were traveling south on the easy shoulder. According to KSBW, the Kia went off the roadway and hit the bicyclists for unknown reasons.
There were major injuries reported by the CHP.
The Kita continued going east after the collision and did not stop until the driver hit a tree. The woman suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital. Two of the cyclists were taken to the hospital with major injuries, the other two were injured but not reported to be severe.
Drugs and alcohol are not currently believed to be involved, but the crash is still under investigation.
“There is quite a bit to unravel here,” said Santa Cruz personal injury attorney Gerald Singleton. “The investigation will have to look into the driver, the nature of the roadway and what else may have led to this horrible crash. Our hearts go out to the bicyclists, and we wish them a speedy recovery.”
If you or someone you know has suffered a bicycle accident, contact the Santa Cruz bicycle accident attorneys at Singleton Schreiber by calling 866-331-9303 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
Santa Cruz Bicycle Crashes
Bicycle crashes involving cars in Santa Cruz, California, present a concerning and unfortunately common occurrence that threatens the safety of cyclists and pedestrians alike. As a picturesque coastal city renowned for its active lifestyle and scenic routes, Santa Cruz attracts numerous cyclists year-round. However, the coexistence of bicycles and automobiles on its roads has led to frequent collisions, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
One of the primary factors contributing to bicycle-car crashes in Santa Cruz is the lack of dedicated bike lanes and infrastructure. While the city has made efforts to improve cycling infrastructure in recent years, including adding bike lanes and designated paths, many roads still lack adequate accommodations for cyclists. This forces cyclists to share the road with motor vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly at intersections and narrow streets where space is limited.
Another significant issue is the lack of awareness and education among both cyclists and drivers regarding road safety and sharing the road. Many motorists may not be accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists or may underestimate the speed and presence of bicycles, leading to collisions during turns or lane changes. Similarly, some cyclists may not adhere to traffic laws or take necessary precautions, such as wearing reflective gear or using lights at night, further exacerbating the risk of accidents.
Additionally, factors such as distracted driving and speeding contribute to the prevalence of bicycle-car crashes in Santa Cruz. With the widespread use of smartphones and other electronic devices, drivers may become distracted behind the wheel, making them less attentive to cyclists sharing the road. Speeding, especially on residential streets or near popular cycling routes, increases the likelihood of collisions and amplifies the severity of injuries sustained by cyclists in the event of an accident.
The consequences of bicycle-car crashes in Santa Cruz can be devastating, not only for the individuals involved but also for the community as a whole. Injuries sustained in these accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma, including head injuries and spinal cord damage. Moreover, fatalities resulting from bicycle-car collisions have a profound impact on families, friends, and the wider community, highlighting the urgent need for measures to improve road safety.
To address the issue of bicycle-car crashes in Santa Cruz, concerted efforts must be made to enhance cycling infrastructure, raise awareness about road safety, and enforce traffic laws effectively. This includes the expansion of dedicated bike lanes, the implementation of traffic calming measures, such as lower speed limits and traffic signals optimized for cyclist safety, and educational campaigns targeting both motorists and cyclists. By prioritizing the safety of cyclists and promoting a culture of mutual respect and responsibility on the road, Santa Cruz can work towards reducing the incidence of bicycle-car crashes and creating a safer environment for all road users.
“Bicycle accidents are particularly dangerous because the cyclists are completely exposed and often traveling at high speeds,” Mr. Singleton added. “Even when they take all proper safety precautions, if a car is driving erratically or if they are surrounded by dangerous terrain, the injuries can be severe. These bicyclists will likely have large medical bills and a long period of recovery.”
Anyone injured in a bicycle accident should contact the Santa Cruz bicycle crash lawyers at Singleton Schreiber by calling 866-331-9303 or by emailing info@singletonschreiber.com.
