Update: Woman, toddler hit by car in Admiral District

Jtk March 23, 2011 (4:32 pm)

I was driving through there just before police arrived. I didn’t see it happen. I saw one girl laying in the street and I couldn’t tell if she was ok or not. There are so many of these happening off of California ave. Everyone. SLOW DOWN. Life is NOT a race! So sad!!!! I hope everyone is ok. :(

Paula Tortorice March 23, 2011 (4:35 pm)

I was just leaving work at WSHS when I heard a siren. I knew to check the 911 log a couple of minutes later when I reached home, then came to WSB to see what was going on because the helicopter is circling around the sight as well.

I certainly hope these two will be okay. What a tragic thing to have happen. People really do need to slow down on Cali Avenue!

N.A. Neighbor March 23, 2011 (4:37 pm)

No kidding, slow down around there. There are so many places with kids, not the least of which is a (too) large elementary school and it makes me cringe at how impatient some drivers are on that street during pick up and drop off times. Calm down people. If you don’t like how congested that street is, find another way to get there.

Crispy March 23, 2011 (4:38 pm)

The scanner said the car was going “10 – 15mph.” Slow down?

I do hope that everyone is okay, but it doesn’t sound like anyone was speeding…probably just not paying attention.

SarahScoot March 23, 2011 (4:43 pm)

Given the estimated speed of the car, “slow down” isn’t quite the right response here. However, based on that speed I tend to assume this was an instance of a car turning from one street onto the other. Generally in such instances, the driver is looking only for oncoming traffic, paying no attention to where/if there are pedestrians.

w.s. maverick March 23, 2011 (4:49 pm)

that corner is very dangerous. people always try to sneak around cars and try to beat people through the cross walks. maybe after this we could get a camera there or something.

Rachel March 23, 2011 (4:49 pm)

I am on high alert when I leave Lafayette with my son everyday hoping that one of those right hand turners that don’t look won’t run us down in the crosswalk. Slow down people, or you too could be talking to the police for running down a 2 year old..

SJoy March 23, 2011 (4:50 pm)

I agree SarahScoot. The story said that the car was traveling at 10-15mph – it is a horrible ACCIDENT. And ACCIDENTS do happen. I hope all involved, the baby, mom and driver are all ok and everyone recovers quickly both physically and mentally.

It would absolutely devastate me if I ACCIDENTLY hit anyone, but especially someone so young. Please all, be nice to this driver until you know the details. It’s not nice to assume and finger point until you really know the true details.

JanS March 23, 2011 (4:52 pm)

it’s an interesting intersection. The #128 bus sits at the southeast corner while the driver takes a break. Hard to see traffic coming if you want to cross from Hiawatha to the Mail Center….and hard to see a pedestrian if the bus is blocking your sight on the right side as you go north on Calif.. I’m not sure if that’s the direction they were going in, though. The rest of the intersection is fairly well controlled with lights and pedestrian operated crossing signals.

Hopefully this isn’t serious, and the nanny and child will be OK.

JLBWA March 23, 2011 (4:54 pm)

I love it! -NO ONE- knows exactly what happened yet, or how it happened, yet the armchair audience is preaching “SLOW DOWN” and “Calm down” without any facts… Gimme a break!

I’ll throw out my pre-emptive proclamation too: People need to cross with the signal only, and look both ways before crossing!

Keith March 23, 2011 (4:56 pm)

I’d like to give a special shout-out to the two SUV drivers turning north onto Lander from 44th who, when seeing that California was blocked by cop cars, slammed on the brakes and threw their oversized vehicles into reverse without even looking behind them. Bravo. Hope you got where you needed to be on time.

In partial credit to the knuckleheads described above, there does seem to be a lot of crazy traffic out there today.

hopey March 23, 2011 (4:57 pm)

I think Metro might be re-routing — I live two blocks off California not too far from where this occurred, and I just saw a Metro bus come down my street.

Alki resident March 23, 2011 (4:59 pm)

I wonder if they were at the crosswalk when they got hit.This part of WS is too congested.

Lorelee March 23, 2011 (5:03 pm)

Sure, accidents happen… But there are a lot of distracted drivers and walkers out there! In order for out community to stay a great, walkable place to live we need to use some common sense! Put your phone down!

SJoy March 23, 2011 (5:12 pm)

Oh WOW – was someone on the phone – maybe it was the kid talking on the phone and therefore his fault – come on… that’s just ridiculous.

Yes we all need to work together to make it a liveable, safe place – but again – it’s easy to throw out blame about a phone when you have no idea… that’s just plain wrong.

D Kunnap March 23, 2011 (5:14 pm)

Very true SJoy, I pick my son up from Lafayette daily and I have also seen a lot of parents and children crossing when they do not have the right of way (against the no walk sign). I am very cautious but have still had to slam on my breaks going straight through the green light on Lander and having someone walk right in front of me, going from Hiawatha to the Safeway side (north to south). This has happened quite a few times and luckily I have been able to avoid such an accident. I am not trying to blame either side here, but we all(including pedestrians) need to be more aware of our surrounding!How scary for the little one and his mother, I hope they both heal quickly.

Jen March 23, 2011 (5:21 pm)

The news just said that they were crossing ‘near’ the intersection. Sounds like jaywalking to me. Everyone yelling slow down? Wtf does that mean? Slow down to less than ten mph? Pleeease.

Prayers for all involved March 23, 2011 (5:23 pm)

Prayers are for the mother and child to be ok also for the driver of the vehicle to be ok. Sounds like it was an accident so I am sure the driver is horrified..Pray them all safe.

WSB March 23, 2011 (5:36 pm)

Hi all – as some others have already beat me to saying, please avoid speculation. Certainly the safety of that area in general is a fair topic, but my co-publisher spoke to the police and fire personnel who were in charge at the scene, and the only thing that’s really known for sure is, car hit woman and toddler, they are both at the hospital, and SFD told us their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening (that dovetails with the medic communication on the scanner, between medic units and trauma doctors at Harborview – though the account of the toddler being hit and thrown into the air was disturbing). If the injuries had been major, the intersection would still be shut down, with the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad coming out to do a major investigation/re-creation; that was not the case. Hope they recover speedily and thoroughly – TR

Pablo Loco March 23, 2011 (5:29 pm)

was it the woman in the smart car police were talking to when I walked by?…not so smart now huh?

I know we don’t have all the facts right now , but I would assume that most drivers that hit people are just bad drivers, I would also assume that all of you defending the driver are just as bad. I walk california everyday and it is a warzone.Bad drivers are selfish bullies with no regard for human life.

lighten up March 23, 2011 (5:36 pm)

Lighten up Crazy Paul… It was an accident. You know what happens when you assume..Just sayin..

NotMe March 23, 2011 (5:40 pm)

Holy Cow Pies… some of these comments worry me a little. Do you speak up in public, too? You know, when you actually do get out and see something happen, do you speak up and tell people this stuff? Would you have said to the driver, “Oh d***! If you weren’t going so fast, you wouldn’t have HIT that nanny and baby! Look what you did!”
.
Essentially, that’s what you are doing here.

Pablo Loco March 23, 2011 (5:40 pm)

well alot of people are assuming on here, I am just man enough to acknowledge that I am doing so as well.. It looked like they let the driver go so who knows what happened. I will also pray for the mother and child..sorry my rant offends you but there are some really appauling drivers out there

Dirk Digler March 23, 2011 (5:53 pm)

The world certainly can’t be a roll of Charmin – safe and cushy all of the time. Accidents happen. When they do it is always a relief to hear that the those involved are going to be OK. Thanks for the good coverage WSB as always!

Ken March 23, 2011 (5:56 pm)

I will speculate :)

I watched the last pedestrian accident at that corner and had just left the area 10 min before. I am there everyday.

Spring and fall bring a time just after school when the sun is just above the mail center building shining directly into the eyes of drivers turning from lander onto California south bound. The deep shadow created by the two story mailcenter building makes pedestrians invisible until they are well into the crosswalk. I turn right and go around the block when the sun is blinding me but others are going to be surprised by it.

WSB March 23, 2011 (5:59 pm)

Ken, I actually have received e-mail a little while ago from someone who says she and her child were hurt in a crash at that intersection in similar conditions four years ago. So whether that’s to blame or not, it apparently is a known problem at the intersection.

Ken March 23, 2011 (6:04 pm)

One thing that makes that intersection so dangerous is the bug eyed crazies that try to avoid the left turn light at Admiral and CA by cutting through on 42nd and 41st to lander. It does save a few seconds (just like flying through the AM PM parking lot does in the morning for some) You have to use care and patience in the entire area if you don’t want to be talking to an insurance agent, a cop or your choice of sky wizard.

WSJeep March 23, 2011 (6:11 pm)

Cross walks are all around that area, if you don’t use them its your own fault.

WSB March 23, 2011 (6:30 pm)

2 more points.
We don’t use the word “accident” because it is subjective. Until and unless facts are all known, “crash” or “collision” etc. just states the fact, without making a judgment like accidental or deliberate.
.
Other thing, I have NO information that they weren’t in a crosswalk. Not saying we are perfect but frankly I will tell you, don’t believe everything you hear. Some news sources prefer to talk to people standing around. Some talk to the authorities, whose job it is to get the facts. That’s always our priority. I can tell you that what we saw on scene – see the second photograph – indicated the main scene was around the south crosswalk in that I/S – look for it in the background. Again, I hope to get a little more info later tonight but even the ranking folks on duty have to wait for their guys to file reports etc.

Born To Be Mild March 23, 2011 (6:21 pm)

When I run into something with my car I don’t call it an accident. I call it driver error even when it’s not my fault. Accidents don’t just happen, people make mistakes. And I know it’s tough to avoid trouble but if you’re running over kids or puppies maybe 10mph is too fast for conditions.

SounderPat March 23, 2011 (6:23 pm)

I drive for my job and that means everywhere in/around Seattle. Been through that area daily for years. It’s crazy hazardous, CRAZY! LOTS of moms and kids due to nearby school and community center, theater multiple stores etc.. School zone (less than 20mph I think) should run from Admiral down to Hanford at least. Metro buses piss everyone off because they continually take breaks with their tails blocking traffic. Ticked off drivers are impatient drivers and bad Metro parking practices contribute to the hazards there. Sunny days are the worst too because cars and people hide in shadows and then appear out of nowhere. Im not sure McGinns “road diet” actually helped there because although cars are going slower, the are also stacked up. Also, pedestrians are too trusting in Seattle, they have been programed to get hit because they”expect” cars to stop for them. Im a pro, I know.

SounderPat March 23, 2011 (6:36 pm)

WSB, from your photos, I can say it looks like they were in the cross walk going E from the mail store toward Hiawatha playfield. That is one of the most well marked cross walks in the city – HIGHLY visable. But not on a sunny afternoon with tons of congestion – then, it is a hazard.

Alvis March 23, 2011 (6:44 pm)

Whether or not it played a part in this incident, the Metro layover zone that now hugs the intersection needs to be moved south to the mid-block Metro zone across from PCC. That way the California/Lander intersection would be visually clear and could be restored as an actual bus stop zone instead of a bus parking lot.
This obvious and warranted safety improvement has been requested more than once, yet Metro still refuses to budge.

Pablo Loco March 23, 2011 (6:59 pm)

I agree about the bus layover zone, It affects my visibility as a pedestrian when crossing from east to west.

metrognome March 23, 2011 (7:00 pm)

SounderPat — that intersection has had that lane configuration for years; there is no ‘road diet’ there, so McGinn had nothing to do with it. There is also no bus parked there in the layover zone (the concrete pad in the lower left of the top picture); if there had been a bus there when the accident happened, the driver would likely have stayed as a witness if s/he was on the bus at the time.

SounderPat March 23, 2011 (7:13 pm)

metrognome, I did not mean to infer the problem I listed ALL apply to that specific intersection and this accident. The “road diet” has definitely contributed to traffic jams in the area. But it also has slowed cars down so maybe that is a good thing. I don’t know if its a net plus or minus. Maybe the car would have been going faster without the added congestion, maybe not. As for Metro, same thing, the “layover/break” stop on CAl @ Admiral NE corner near the “bagel” shop (hint hint) is a problem. Cars can’t make it between the bus and the oncoming turn lane. These things contribute to impatient drivers which then become dangerous drivers. I am a pro, I know. Not being “accusatory” but am trying to simply point out some issues.

Dave March 23, 2011 (7:13 pm)

Thank God they were not killed.

Perhaps we can put a pot shop on that corner. Then it will be really safe.

Genesee Hill March 23, 2011 (7:22 pm)

Dave:

Heckuva comment!

Kristina March 23, 2011 (7:23 pm)

My thoughts go out to all involved. Whatever happened, I’m sure that the driver is devastated to have hurt a mother and child, and I’m sure that the mother and child could benefit best from our kind words toward them as they recover from this.

My thoughts are with all of the above.

John March 23, 2011 (7:40 pm)

People keep saying that we don’t know enough details to know who was at fault and that “accidents happen.” Every motorist is in the unique position of controlling a large metal object travelling through space and therefore is 100% responsible for what happens as a consequence. A human walking is a human being a human. A human propelling a car forward is a human making a decision to utilize a powerful and potentially deadly tool, and no matter what the individual circumstances leading to the event, any time a vehicle hits a pedestrian the driver of the vehicle is responsible and should be punished without mercy. If anyone reading this thinks that there are particular circumstances that would exempt them from guilt if they happened to hit a pedestrian, then they are simply not taking the act of driving an automobile seriously enough and they should be seriously ashamed of themselves. I, for one, am alert when I drive to the extent that I do not enjoy driving. This is ok. I would rather never enjoy driving than once hit a person with a car.

Forest March 23, 2011 (8:00 pm)

I cringe whenever I hear “not life threatening” issued as the hospital benchmark for a spectrum of physical injuries. An elementary school classmate of mine ran in front of a car and though his injuries would never have counted as life threatening, he suffered from walking impediments and speech difficulties for years. I hope any injuries in this case are relatively minor and easily recovered from.

WSB March 23, 2011 (8:28 pm)

Forest, your point is well-taken. But it’s all we have to work with, and it boils down to “we think they’ll survive,” per medics’ initial obseration. I could tell you specifically that the medic communication over the air mentioned a hematoma and some sort of facial injury for the child, and I don’t remember all the blood pressure readings etc., but that’s all preliminary till they get to the hospital – and once they get there, generally there’s a lockdown on information (though I will be checking tomorrow with media relations to see if they are OK with at least mentioning conditions – which of course are a minefield of their own – what “stable” condition means, serious, critical, etc., and why “serious injuries” – which was in someone else’s account of the crash – doesn’t necessarily mean “serious condition,” etc.).

cj March 23, 2011 (8:01 pm)

West Seattle is overly crowded with cars both on streets and in parking on streets. That being said there are visibility issues for both drivers and walking people. Also people need to be reminded that according to authorities EVERY intersection is a legal cross walk. I don’t like the idea ether cause there are drivers who don’t know , but that is what we were told when a number of cross walks were removed over the past couple of years.

We are almost completely surrounded by water so there is no room to spread out for more cars. I wish the developers of new buildings would think about this.

Before blaming anyone we need to get all the facts on this. I will say that last year I had more than a couple of scares trying to use flashing light cross walks even with the flags, including being yelled at by some brash young man in a truck who acted like he owned the road. Honestly I think some drivers need to be re-educated.

John's better half March 23, 2011 (8:05 pm)

John, this is John (your rational, other half). Take a deep breath and relax a little. Driving a car isn’t brain surgery. Human’s make mistakes behind the wheel just Luke they do in every other area of life. If the driver wasn’t distracted (on the phone), speeding or DUI, etc, they shouldn’t be charged like someone who has.

Lighten up John.

– Your rational half

Emma Peel March 23, 2011 (8:18 pm)

I saw a woman blow through a red light there this past Monday around 4. Unbelievable.

Pablo Loco March 23, 2011 (8:32 pm)

if this is a “mistake” then the driver should learn from her “mistake”, maybe some form of punishment or at least some drivers ed classes ?

what am I missing on this discussion? somebody hit people with their car. the driver is soley to blame, not metro, not the sun, not the mayor.

make all the excuses you want, the fact is most of us are just plain bad drivers

Lorelee March 23, 2011 (8:34 pm)

Why are there so many cars picking up kids from school? isn’t this a community elementary? We should be walking or biking! Oh wait, this is the Seattle SD. I live 2 blocks away from Lafayette and we aren’t in it’s zone anymore. Just say’n it’d be a lot safer with fewer cars picking up kids!

WSB March 23, 2011 (8:51 pm)

The crash happened at 4 pm, which is an hour after school gets out.
- WSB March 23, 2011 (9:28 pm)
  
  Ken, I apologize! Should’ve checked the clocks here:
  http://mylafayette.org
  .
  Changed in the four years since our Lafayette alum left. I wish high school started at 9:20 am – a precious extra hour of sleep for the latebirds!

J March 23, 2011 (8:58 pm)

California can be dangerous. I can’t tell you how many close calls I’ve seen or been in at CA & Lander or CA & Admiral. We always wait for the cross walk because we have kids in tow. Everyone needs to do their part to be safe – offensively and defensively.

JanS March 23, 2011 (9:13 pm)

wow..so many people with vitriol against drivers. You all must be perfect. If accidents didn’t happen, we wouldn’t have the word, now, would we? We really ALL need to wait until the facts come out before we lynch someone. I’m sure the driver is devastated that this happened. Put yourself in his/her shoes, please.

Loralee, the child was under the age of two. This had nothing to do with Lafayette. School gets out at about 3pm anyway. There used to be parking for the Layafette parents, but the new Safeway build has taken that away. Yes, people should walk more, but it’s not always feasable.

Pablo Loco..you are bound and intent on making someone “pay” for this, aren’t you? Step back from the keyboard, please.Chill.

Sounder Pat…you may be an “expert”, but…the 55 bus doesn’t take it’s break at Calif. and Admiral. It does that way to the north on SW Seattle St. The 128 is going the other way when it “breaks” at Lander and Calif. Ave.. And I like the idea of moving that down close to the highschool, across from PCC. But seriously, I don’t think that has anything to do with what happened this afternoon. Of course, just my humble opinion. I think this was unfortunate..and hope they have a quick recovery. And let us all remember that they all, the driver and the victim (adult) and family of the little boy, are gonna be reading this, perhaps. Lighten up.

Ken March 23, 2011 (9:15 pm)

Lafayette gets out at 3:25

The afterschool program at Hiawatha is up the block. Parents pick up kids at that corner until 6. There is damn little parking there and the safeway construction has devastated that. (The construction workers use road cones to turn Lander and 42 into their private parking lots.)

Just a thought... March 23, 2011 (9:16 pm)

Pablo, What if the toddler ran into the street and the mother was just trying to catch him? Point is, we truly don’t know what happened yet. That’s what’s still missing on this discussion.

Gina March 23, 2011 (9:20 pm)

At 4 pm there are many parents taking their children to the martial arts studio and the gymnastics academy on that corner. And many parents taking their children to Hiawatha to play on a nice day, like today was.

Pablo Loco March 23, 2011 (9:58 pm)

JanS _ you said “There used to be parking for the Layafette parents, but the new Safeway build has taken that away.” That is not correct, That lot was for safeway customers only, the parents in fact were breaking the law by parking there.And Yes I believe the driver should pay for her mistake/accident. I never said lynch her, she should pay for the hospital bills and take a drivers ed class

spring March 23, 2011 (9:58 pm)

I came here to find out if they are ok and their injuries. What a ridiculously long diatribe about nothing. Hope they are ok.

Brontosaurus March 23, 2011 (10:03 pm)

I just read that a 14 month old was accidentally run over and killed in Kent tonight. My heart goes out to the child’s family and also to the 18 year old driver. The police found that it was a “true accident.” Sometimes these things are accidents. I hope the woman and child hit in WS get well soon, and my thoughts are with the driver also. Until we really know the facts, it’s unfair to criticize.

ElevenTruckmen March 23, 2011 (10:09 pm)

I’m astounded by the comments being left by my fellow West Seattle residents. Having responded to a lot of incidents like this over the years I will say that not one of the drivers was happy with what happened. Every single driver wished beyond all things earthly to not have hit another human. When a child is involved the gravity can become overwhelming for everyone on scene, the driver being close to the top of that list. No one wants to hit a child. Not every time that a car hits a human is it the drivers fault. I can think of one case in particular that happened on James ST. between 9th and 10th. An eight year old boy darted out into traffic and was struck by a car. All witnesses stated he came out of nowhere between parked cars. Right of way be damned when you are holding a child with serious injuries that will likely not survive. Get a hold of yourselves and think about each person involved and how they feel right now, only a few hours after the incident. The parents at the hospital standing over their child, praying I’m sure. The driver replaying her whole day over and over wishing she had gone the other way home. The people who watched it and then held that child while waiting for the Medics to respond. You just can’t make sense of it. So many of you and your speculating are stomping all over these people in their time of need. A driving class? Really? Are you so far removed from your own emotions that you think a person who hit a child needs to take a driving class to learn a lesson? As if having hit another human isn’t enough. If any of you know anyone involved in this reach out and give them a hug at a minimum. The parents, the nanny, the driver, the witnesses, all of them. I would like anyone who knows someone who helped on scene to say a huge Thank You. You all made a difference today in your community and your help was needed, appreciated and recognized. The man who held that boy, the woman who took C-spine, the woman who called over and over until we got hold of the parents and everyone else who helped. That is the West Seattle I love and expect to see everyday. Thank you.

Mother March 23, 2011 (10:28 pm)

When I heard the sirens and saw the helicopters today, my intial thought was criminal activity. It wasn’t until I got home that I heard about what had happened. The comments here are terribly surprising. I agree with those that are waiting for the facts to pass judgement. There are so few of you. I am sure this person driving is feeling so terrible and so thankful that the woman and child are alive. This was not a hit and run. The driver stopped and took responsibility for their actions. What if we later find out that the driver had a medical condition? Diabetes? a stroke? whatever the reason this is why they are called accidents. This is also why we have a justice system. so that both sides are heard and the circumstances evaluated. What if the child darted into the road and the mom/nanny was not able to stop them in time? There are so many unknowns. Let’s get some more information, file complaints against metro and remember that we live in a community of mostly honest people. This person is going to harbor the guilt of this mistake for the rest of their life. I hope there are no major injuries and that we all realize how fragile and precious life is.

MsEvelyn March 23, 2011 (10:33 pm)

Amen 11 Truckmen!

John March 23, 2011 (10:43 pm)

No matter how one tries to justify it, unless there was an unforeseeable mechanical failure, such as the accelerator sticking or the breaks not working, then a person hit a child with a car today because they did not take the steps necessary to ensure that it would not happen. It is the driver’s responsibility to take an appropriate degree of caution to ensure that they are not going to harm someone with their vehicle. If you can’t see clearly around a schoolbus for example, you slow down enough so that you have absolute control of the situation, even if it means you go 5mph for 20 feet. I stand firm by my opinion that if someone thinks it’s “ok” or “normal” to make a potentially life-threatening mistake behind the wheel of a vehicle then they are not taking driving a vehicle… or life, for that matter, seriously enough. It’s sad that people like “John’s Better Half” can be so flippant regarding irresponsible behavior that could easily remove somebody’s loved one from existence. That makes me very sad and I don’t feel like I’m uptight for admitting that. Even so it is hard not to have compassion toward the driver as well. He or she must feel horrible, and though in turn taking that person from their family (prison, etc…) would not make anyone happy and would not solve any problems, nobody should shrug their shoulders and say “accidents happen” when someone hits someone else with a car. That’s just sick.

JN March 23, 2011 (10:51 pm)

This and other car/pedestrian INCIDENTS should be treated just as they are in Holland, i.e. the driver of the multi-ton vehicle is AUTOMATICALLY assumed to be at fault, pay for any damages because they are driving a vehicle that can easily kill. As a motorist, you have to watch out for people. That is the responsibility you undertake when you turn on your car. A pedestrian isn’t fair game if they aren’t in a crosswalk, just as a car isn’t fair game to be vandalized as soon as they bump onto the curb.

Alki resident March 23, 2011 (10:56 pm)

Thank you Eleventruckmen,well said.

jon March 23, 2011 (11:12 pm)

I was there when it happened and held the little boy after the car struck him. The nanny took the brunt of the blow. Her lower leg was struck by the car and she had an obvious ankle fracture. She was bleeding from her teeth and mouth as well. The boy was also struck by the car and was thrown to the pavement. He had a scrape on the chin and a big bump on his forehead. The driver was driving a Smart car. She was making a left turn onto California and was travelling about 10 miles an hour. She had a green light. The pedestrians had the walk sign. She simply did not seem them but did stop immediately. She was ticketed. All involved from the 911 callers, and those who stopped traffic, fire, police and paramedics it was handled well. The lady in the car was distraught and in shock herself. No one wished her ill will. Several people gave her a hug and the police officer was reassuring to her. I’m sure she will be a much more careful driver. It is easy to armchair quarterback something like this, but it was scary and eye-opening at the same time and I’m glad no died today in front of my eyes.

JanS March 23, 2011 (11:39 pm)

John…do you honestly think that the driver set out this morning to hit some people? Have you never made a “mistake”? Have you ever had to deal with something like this in your life? Did you read what “eleventruckmen” said. Do you have any idea who eleventruckmen are? They were actually on scene, helping with the accident. Yes, an accident. And no one is shrugging their shoulders and taking it lightly. Everyone will…well, should …pay a little more attention when they get behind the wheel because they know what happened today. It has been said that the driver was going between 10 and 15 miles per hour. Sounds to me like they were doing something right. Now, before you decide that you are the “decider”, let’s let the facts come out…and everyone hug their loved ones a little tighter tonight.

An aside to Pablo Loco..I know that it was a Safeway lot, and not a Lafayette lot..but Safeway allowed them the use of it.

And to Ken. I live on 42nd just east of Safeway. I know that they close the street…and it’s not for parking (although they take up a lot of it – my clients are not too happy about it). It’s for when the big equipment is here to pour concrete, or to remove construction debris…or work on the underground. It’s been part of my life from the beginning of construction. How about parking on the west side of Calif Ave, back in the residential neighborhood..44th? 45? I’m sure they get crowded, too, don’t know the answer for you or other parents.

JanS March 23, 2011 (11:40 pm)

and, yes, thank you eleventruckmen for what you said, and for what you do.

Somewhere March 23, 2011 (11:42 pm)

As someone who has driven a car, I try very hard not to hit pedestrians. (So far, so good on that count!) As someone who also walks around a lot, I also try very hard to make sure no cars hit me. Even when I know I have the legal right-of-way, I still feel like my safety is my responsibility: I know there are distracted drivers, I know drivers aren’t looking for pedestrians, I know there are drunk drivers, I know the sun or shadows might make me difficult to see, and I know I must watch out for cars if I don’t want to get hit crossing a street (legally or otherwise).

Even if I have the legal right-of-way, I’m certainly not to step in front of a moving car to prove it.

But wow, all of you folks who’ve already convicted the driver or pedestrian–that’s very un-American. Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? Hope none of you ever end up on my jury if I ever have a court date. =)

Until we have the facts, it’s way too early to start judging the participants in this incident.

Irukandji March 24, 2011 (12:17 am)

Wishing healing to the injured and sanity all around.

Born To Be Mild March 24, 2011 (5:48 am)

@JanS: I disagree with you about accidents. Yes, people make mistakes but it doesn’t make it okay. I was in a car that hit a child that ran into the road. Was it the kid’s fault? Of course. But I also know the “accident” could have been avoided by driving slower and a vehicle that had a better set of brakes. If it wasn’t for an 18yo’s quick reactions, the kid might have gotten more than a bump on the head. The concept is Extreme Responsibility. What could the driver have done to avoid the accident? I understand factors beyond our control, empathy, and law, but if the driver was more observant, this wouldn’t have happened. I would hope that the driver isn’t at “fault” for the “accident”. I’d just like to point out that if someone is running into pedestrians under any circumstance, it’s an indication that they need to work on their driving skills.

Beth March 24, 2011 (7:16 am)

ElevenTruckmen’s comments should be the end of it and this post should be closed.

WSB open a new post with the *confirmed* information and injury update, and move on. It’s apparent that too many people have too much time and self-angst on their hands, and pointing a finger at others is easier than looking in the mirror.

rw March 24, 2011 (7:29 am)

I use the pedestrian crossing or drive through the CA & Lander intersection often, and I’m surprised no one has commented on the timing of the traffic signal at that intersection. For pedestrians, it takes forever to change when you want to cross California so I see people jaywalk because they get inpatient. For drivers turning from Lander onto California, the green signal is incredibly short, so when pedestrians are present sometimes only one car has a chance to make the turn before the light turns red again, so drivers become imaptient. Yes, I’ve experienced the bright sunlight challenge and the parked bus challenge at that intersection, and I go out of my way to avoid that area when school is letting out. But Impatience, whether by pedestrians or drivers, also does not enhance safety.

Trudy March 24, 2011 (8:04 am)

John, I’m surprised someone who has such strong feelings and opinions on how cars and drivers should operate doesn’t know what “brakes” are.

austin March 24, 2011 (9:00 am)

John is correct. Most of the people who drive on a regular basis aren’t qualified to operate heavy machinery, and you hear about the results of that all the time.

AJP March 24, 2011 (9:12 am)

As a former nanny, my biggest nightmare was that one of the children in my care would be hurt. My stomach turned in sympathy for this nanny. I hope she and the child will be all right. My sympathies to the driver, too. No one tries to hit someone else.

sv March 24, 2011 (9:28 am)

last summer, on california ave near the rite aid, I almost hit a pedestrian. i was looking at my phone (so very briefly!) and a man was just starting on the cross walk. it shook me up so much that I never NEVER look at my phone anymore while i am driving. I stopped & said how sorry I was, he was understandably mad….but it was too close of a call. please be aware as you drive.

I'm John Too March 24, 2011 (9:30 am)

I agree with John – operating a car is potentially very dangerous and as a society we are too blithe about those dangers. I also agree with Trudy that learning the difference between breaks and brakes is a credibility enhancer.

anon March 24, 2011 (10:04 am)

I actually saw a woman let her son out of the car while stopped at the light in this very same intersection the other day instead of actually parking at the sidewalk and letting him out. He was going to karate based on his attire. I was kind of shocked that a parent would just let their kid out in traffic like that even if it was a red light. Hopefully they’ll read about this incident and think twice next time. I hope all parties involved recover from this.

george March 24, 2011 (10:21 am)

So happy to see all the perfect people that still live in WS. It makes it so much safer. Ignorant too.

lucky chick March 24, 2011 (10:40 am)

Joh, FWIW, I agree with you. That other john is just being self-righteous, but you are right – people who “make a mistake” ARE being careless, and they are responsible for their actions if they do so behind the wheel of a 4,000-pound weapon. Drivers are obligated to be hyper-attentive. That’s why I hate driving as well.

george March 24, 2011 (11:03 am)

Lorelee, isn’t it curious how the mayor is trying to get cars off the street, yet the SSD is taking away more bus services to “save money and reduce its carbon footprint”. You would think that more cars dropping kids off at school would net-net INCREASE the carbon footprint, traffic and congestion. Some may ask, why are the kids not walking to school? Because K, 1st grade, 2nd grade and… should not have to cross our busy streets like California, Admiral, 35th to get to school. Sometimes, parents need to put food on the table and be at work before school starts at 9:25. The new bus transportation plan will be out any day now. Mayor McSchwinn, your turn:

pjmanley March 24, 2011 (11:24 am)

Thank you for mentioning the “Unmarked Crosswalk” rule CJ. And ElevenTruckmen: A+.

Please WS Neighbors: Put yourselves in the shoes of both parties involved, think about it and learn from it. Isn’t anything else really a waste of time? Traffic between cars, bikes, buses and pedestrians is only going to get busier as we grow. Slower, more congested trips and more pedestrians crossing the roads are a certainty. Terrible incidents like this one are good examples to learn from going forward. Let’s let the facts come out and go forward from there.

Not every pedestrian is a suicidal fool, nor is every driver a potential murderer! Let’s keep some perspective here.

Amanda March 24, 2011 (11:49 am)

It was an accident! Holy moly! Thanks to Jon for his account, sounds like it could have been much, much worse.

Cait March 24, 2011 (11:49 am)

Thank you Eleventruckman, agreed on all counts. The difference between the people who were there offering support and help and the armchair Gladys Kravitz’s on this comment page is unwarranted – there shouldn’t BE a difference. Because people shouldn’t tsk tsk about things they don’t know about. Point blank. End of story. Case closed. These are your neighbors that you are bad mouthing on here, everyone, and kicking them while they’re down at that! Based on NOTHING. Think about that. And they are humans. I hope one day most of you come to understand what it’s like to walk in the shoes of someone who made a grave mistake and let’s just hope that no children have to die in order for you to realize it. And I bet that some of you have come a lot closer to making a mistake that could injure someone else that you would like to think about.

SarahScoot March 24, 2011 (11:53 am)

“…nor is every driver a potential murderer!”
Well, that’s just not true. Every driver is controlling a piece of machinery that can and does kill, and drivers need to keep that in mind.
The first rule taught in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course I took a few years back was, “Assume every driver on the road is out to kill you.” Not maliciously, mind you, but the point is that “cage” drivers as a rule are much less aware of their surroundings than pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists/scooterists.
In both driver’s education and in the MSF course, instructors drilled into our heads the idea that one should only travel as fast as conditions allow. That means constantly monitoring what one does and does not know about his surroundings – in this case, checking whether the crosswalk is occupied, or if the driver is unable to see, exercising extreme caution when proceeding. In this case, even 10-15 mph was apparently too fast.
No one has said this was intentional, but it was negligent according to our laws.

Diane March 24, 2011 (12:02 pm)

thank you ElevenTruckmen

Diane March 24, 2011 (12:06 pm)

thank you Jon

george March 24, 2011 (12:22 pm)

Oh Sarah! Do you have a natural gas stove? Do you realize you have a huge bomb in your kitchen waiting to explode? Your instuctor is teaching survival, not vehicular fact.
With all the variables you cite in driving, its a wonder cars are allowed anywhere, what with sunshine, buses, rear mirrors, side mirrors, other cars, trucks, sirens, people darting into the roads. Has no one driven by the Mickey D’s by the high school? talk about a duck shoot!

RJB March 24, 2011 (12:35 pm)

Sorry but I believe W Seattle drivers are not use to us walkers. Pay attention please!!!! I use crosswalks, I do not cross on the red and still I have almost been hit numerious times and once by a Metro bus in the Junction, my daughter in law was with me for that one. Please pay attention and drive the speed limit. We are all in this together! We all want to get home safe.

SarahScoot March 24, 2011 (1:18 pm)

Yes, george, driving involves a lot of unpredictable variables – thus my statement that drivers need to constantly adjust their driving depending on circumstances. If the McDonald’s by the high school is a “duck shoot,” then conditions would dictate that a driver is more cautious, which likely means reducing speed.
It’s not a matter of banning cars, but in drivers taking responsibility for the risks they take each time they drive.

Tressa Azpiri March 24, 2011 (1:54 pm)

I am the Mother of the nanny that was hit with the young boy in her care. They were in a cross walk and had a walk light. Accidents happen. I feel bad for the woman that hit them and I am certain she is upset. My daughter remains in Harborview under excellent care and will recover. Keep all involved in your hearts and prayers.

WSB March 24, 2011 (1:57 pm)

Thank you so much for letting us know. – Tracy

dancingcat March 24, 2011 (1:57 pm)

This is the same highly congested area that will be the home to 80 new apartments and the cars that go along with that, when the new Safeway complex opens. Now thats some poor planning……

bike2work March 24, 2011 (3:37 pm)

I’m a cyclist, pedestrian, avid runner, motorist, and mother of 3 children. I experience West Seattle streets from many perspectives. By in large, it is the motorist that I witness making “mistakes”. We are a family of 5 with only one car (by choice). We are trying to teach our children the value of reducing our reliance on cars and fossil fuels (and a general philosophy of “get off your arse and move”). Unfortunately, it is a very scary experience launching my children in a world where pedestrians can be hit in a crosswalk with right away (yes, cars MUST yield to pedestrians with a walk signal) yet the motorist walks away with only a fee to pay. There needs to be heavier burdens (humongous fines, remove their license, send them to class, send them to victim panels, etc) placed on drivers when they hit cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable users of the roadways. Then maybe they (motorist) would actually pay attention to the responsibility that lay in their hands. Collective public awareness is key. But motorist must be held to the highest accountability…unfortunately, currently they are not.
As a side note: the car craziness that occurs around schools at drop off and pick up times is insane. The number of timewarped parents jockeying their cars around makes one scratch the head. What is up with this…what is wrong with taking the bus or walking to school??? It is a wonder that more kids aren’t hurt by this car craziness at our schools.

Pablo Loco March 24, 2011 (4:59 pm)

It’s like pulling teeth here to ask drivers to be careful and take responsibility for your actions/”mistakes”. Fine then,drive however you wish and after you hit me while crossing the street you can rest easy knowing it was just an accident, nobody’s fault stuff just happens. I am going out for my walk now,wish me luck.

4thGenWestSide March 24, 2011 (6:09 pm)

Kids should wear helmets 24-7.

brooke March 24, 2011 (6:35 pm)

I can update you all. The nanny was dropping off my daughter and the little girl she watches at gymnastics. She then left with the 21 month old brother to go to the park. They crossed at the intersection when it said walk. The yellow smart car turned without yielding. The nanny was holding the little boys hand and picked him up immediately when she saw they were going to get hit and pushed him out of the way. He suffered some head and eye damage but was able to come home today. The nanny severely damaged her leg and had surgery last night. She will not be able to put weight on it for 3 months and her leg will never be the same. The parents feel that their little boy would not be here without the nanny. We love this family dearly and hope that things strengthen faster than they are supposed to. Please send out your prayers and thoughts, especially for the nanny that is going to have a really rough next few months.

dlc March 24, 2011 (6:36 pm)

To Pablo Loco, On your walk you need to take responsibility for yourself. It is your fault if you don’t.

ElevenTruckmen March 24, 2011 (9:11 pm)

Thanks Brooke for the update. If there is any way to help let us know.

Bike2Work, Your half right in my opinion. Your right in saying “they walk away with only a fee to pay” But all of your solutions are knee jerk reactions after the incident has occurred. Prevention is a far better solution in most cases especially the matter at hand. Mainly I feel this way because from my experience when a person is killed who had the right-of-way, the right of way means nothing to a dead person. We need to stop this before it happens with better driving schools and parents teaching responsibility in the home by setting the example. Good and bad habits behind the wheel are set very early on in life. I had a friend who was lamenting about his daughter getting her license. His quote “Yeah she got that card and all that means is she passed their test, not mine”. That’s parenting, teaching and kids learning responsibility. In the moment by moment of our day very few people are basing decisions they make on the possible fine. Over the course of a lifetime every time we changed lanes or turned without a blinker it pushed us closer to never using it ever by creating a habit of not using it. The driver of a car who strikes a person would be the best safe driving advocate you could find to speak to teens in driving school. No one really realizes the gravity of a situation like this unless they have lived through it on a very close and personal level. What about requiring driving school refresher courses every 10 years or retesting periodically or maybe just a retest after an infraction? You are already teaching this to your children and you may be assuming everyone else is too. Maybe that’s why you overlooked the best solution. Thanks for being a responsible parent.

Born To Be Mild March 24, 2011 (9:28 pm)

Sounds like the liability limits on that SmartCar are going to be tested. My insurance agent was explaining a similar scenario to me. Unfortunately, insurance isn’t going to cover the damage.

Mother March 24, 2011 (9:34 pm)

Tracy and Brooke,

Thank you for the update I hope your daughter heals quickly and that she knows how her act of bravery protected the child in her care. You must be very proud of her ability to react so quickly. I’m glad to hear the little boy is going to be okay.

JN March 24, 2011 (10:57 pm)

As a cyclist (and this would seem in my experience to apply to runners and pedestrians as well) you learn that motorists are 50/50 “hope” or “wish” : 50 percent hope they don’t hit you, while the other 50 percent wish that they could.

Brontosaurus March 24, 2011 (11:15 pm)

I’m so glad that the little boy is going to be OK. What a wonderful nanny, I hope she recovers soon. She can look after my little boy any day!!

Jo Sivley March 25, 2011 (8:32 am)

Busdriver just told me the baby has died. RIP little one.

WSB March 25, 2011 (9:39 am)

Jo – I just talked with police and they had NOT heard that – they wondered if someone was confusing the case with an incident in another city that happened the same day, almost the same time. This **Kent** incident, to be specific, also involving a toddler:
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2011/03/23/1597391/14-month-old-boy-struck-by-car.html
.
But they are checking for me, and I am also checking with the hospital. – TR
.
(added 10:08 am) Still no definitive answer, but I will post whenever I get official word from someone! I had been trying all day yesterday anyway to get official word of conditions as well as whether the driver was indeed cited, etc., so that I could write a separate story, and literally nothing came through. This is the kind of information that isn’t available anywhere online – it requires phone calls (and backup e-mails), all of which I have deployed short of going downtown to someone’s office and standing in the lobby till I get an answer.

bike2work March 25, 2011 (8:47 am)

You’re correct ElevenTruckman. Prevention is key. And your suggestions are very “upstream”…I love that…and from a public health perspective that is exactly how we should be thinking. Yes, frequent drivers ed updates & testing, establishing good habits for new drivers, huge public awareness campaigns that educate the public, etc. But what you are hearing from me is the frustration I feel at the lack of consequences drivers incur when they do hit vulnerable users. The victims lay in the hospital (or worse…the morgue) but the driver walks away with nothing more but a slap on the hand…the driver gets to resume life as normal…no injury, no loss of income, no grieving over loss of function or life or missed opportunity…hell, they often don’t even have to go to court. URGGH!

Darkseid March 25, 2011 (9:58 am)

The anti-driver alarmists are out in force. What a bunch of drama queens.

Pedestrians are to blame, too. Anyone who jaywalks is at complete fault if they are hit. You can’t blame the driver if someone is too lazy to go down the block and use the crosswalk.

p.s. I’m not talking about the victims in this case, so don’t whine.

Stayathomedad March 25, 2011 (10:23 am)

If anyone is still following this thread, I’d like to offer some advice for pedestrians:

I logged 628 miles on my pedometer in 2011, most of it in West Seattle and all of it pushing a stroller. Before being a stay-at-home dad I had it easy as a construction worker. In working around heavy equipment on a construction site, it is important to make eye contact with the operator before entering their work area. I try to do the same before crossing the street.

It’s not always possible, but it has prevented numerous incidents. As drivers, we constantly scan the roadway for information. As humans, were programed to stop and notice other humans staring us down. I find if I look directly though the windshield, I’ll make eye contacts as they scan in my direction. Most of the time, it will happen before they enter my space. But if they are on the phone or just an idiot, I keep a rock in the top tray of the stroller. Yes, I have cracked a couple of windshields.

cho March 25, 2011 (12:13 pm)

Fact: Pedestrians were following the rules of the road.
Fact: Child and nanny injured in a pedestrian vs car accident.
Fact: Driver did not yield as per the rules of the road.
Fact: Probable ticket for the motorist
ENOUGH SAID ALREADY!!!

WSB March 25, 2011 (12:16 pm)

The driver was cited. That, I have from police. I cannot get the condition of the toddler without his name. I will write a separate story as soon as I can get one more fact nailed down.
- WSB March 25, 2011 (12:22 pm)
  
  And it was a failure to yield right of way citation (the pedestrians had the right of way).

Stayathomedad March 25, 2011 (1:49 pm)

I meant 2010.

And as a pedestrian, it doesn’t matter who’s right and who’s wrong. If you get into an argument with a moving vehicle, you are going to lose. Better to do what you can to prevent it in the first place, if possible.

Stayathomedad March 25, 2011 (2:01 pm)

@Cho;

Thanks for making the decision that enough has been said about this topic – for all of us. I somehow forgot you are the authority on this.

Frankly, this is a big topic for those of us with kids and especially those of us with kids who walk California. Until my toddler gets his drivers license, I have great interest in how cars and people interact in West Seattle. After that, I have a whole new set of problems.

pjmanley March 25, 2011 (2:32 pm)

It’s all about the eye contact. If you don’t have it between driver and pedestrian, it is not safe to proceed.

Not to excuse bad drivers or pedestrians, but staying alive trumps right-of-way every time.

Alki Girl March 25, 2011 (3:18 pm)

Thank God it was a Smart car going slow and not a normal size or SUV vehicle. I’m sure the injuries would have been much more severe. Hopefully the two victims will recover quickly.

Agree with previous post about eye contact – I don’t cross any street until I know that driver sees me.

3Pak March 26, 2011 (8:56 am)

Know the Nanny, so listen up.
J. has had a lengthy surgery to repair multiple injuries but is expected to recover eventually. Her first thought upon sensing the impending collision was to shield the child.
She confirms that she was in the crosswalk with the Walk sign on and the car entered the crosswalk without warning. Enough already with blame for the injured.
Hope we all proceed forward with sobriety.