Fatal Incident on Sonoma Boulevard
On the morning of Tuesday, July 20, 2021, officers with the Vallejo Police Department responded to a report of a pedestrian versus vehicle accident in the vicinity of Sonoma Boulevard and Lewis Brown Road.
The officers arrived on the scene at 5:15 a.m. to find an adult male lying in the road. He was later determined to be a 26-year-old from Redwood City. Personnel from the Vallejo Fire Department, who also responded to the incident, pronounced the man deceased at the scene.
This tragic incident is Vallejo’s eighth traffic collision fatality so far this year.
Details of the Incident
The motorist who struck the pedestrian had been traveling south on Sonoma Boulevard when his vehicle struck the man. The motorist remained at the scene and cooperated with investigating officials. There does not appear to be any indication that alcohol or drugs played a role in the incident.
The Investigation is Ongoing
The Traffic Division of the Vallejo Police Department is leading the continuing investigation. They are not yet releasing the identity of the victim pending notification of his family by the Solano County Coroner.
Potential Causes of the Accident
This fatal pedestrian accident occurred in the early morning hours when decreased visibility may have played a role. According to online sources, the sun rose at 6:02 a.m. on July 20, 2021, in Vallejo. This incident occurred nearly an hour before sunrise.
It is not clear from the information released whether the pedestrian was on the side of the road, in a crosswalk, or in the middle of the roadway. The location of the man when he was struck will obviously also play a big part in determining the cause of the incident.
Pedestrian Safety Tips from the NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers the following tips for keeping safe when traveling on foot:
- If a sideway is available, use it. If there are no sidewalks, walk in the opposite direction from traffic and put as much space between your path and the flow of vehicle traffic as possible.
- Obey traffic signs and signals. Follow all road rules. Do not make unpredictable movements.
- Stay alert, and avoid electronic distractions, including music, texting, or phone conversations.
- If possible, cross the street in a crosswalk. If there are no crosswalks, cross at a corner or intersection after looking out for vehicles in all directions.
- Stay in well-lighted areas.
- Do not assume drivers can see you. Make eye contact with a driver before stepping in front of a stopped vehicle.
- Increase your visibility by wearing bright or reflective clothing. Carry a flashing light if you have to walk in the dark.
- Use extra caution near driveways.
- Do not impair your judgment by the use of drugs or alcohol.
Watch the YouTube video. Below is a short clip from the Federal Highway Administration on pedestrian safety.
Vallejo Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Hello, and thank you for reading. My name is Ed Smith, and I am a Vallejo pedestrian accident attorney. Nationwide, pedestrian accidents are on the rise. More people are out walking, and incidents of reckless driving have increased. The combination of these two factors has led to more pedestrian injuries and wrongful deaths. If you or your family has been affected by a vehicle versus pedestrian crash, the skilled injury lawyers at our firm are here to help. Call us for compassionate, free, and friendly legal advice at (707) 564-1900. If you will be calling from outside the local area code, use the toll-free number that we provide: (800) 404-5400. If you prefer, you can also send your inquiries through our online contact form.
To learn more about our services and what our clients have to say about us, see our reviews on Yelp, Avvo, and Google. Our website also provides a sampling of our Past Settlements and Verdicts.
Photo: Pixabay
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