Update: Pedestrian accident closes California south of Dawson

That’s by the Rite-Aid south of The Junction. Multiple reader reports say it’s because of a pedestrian/vehicle accident. Working to find out more. 2:55 PM UPDATE: Seattle Police spokesperson Officer Mark Jamieson has the details: A vehicle heading southbound on California hit an “elderly female pedestrian” who was crossing California eastbound right at Dawson in front of Rite-Aid. She’s at Harborview (which usually means serious injuries) and he doesn’t have an update on her condition. The street’s still closed while investigators do their job, but he says most people are managing to detour around the side streets or cut through the Rite-Aid parking lot to get around the section that’s closed. 3:03 PM UPDATE: Officers at the scene say they’ll probably reopen California there within the hour. Meantime, Rite-Aid is definitely the detour – we got the proof on cam (nothing earthshaking here, just a video site note):

Click To Play

4:55 PM UPDATE: The street’s open again.

JenV September 22, 2008 (2:52 pm)

man, not another one!

I drive past this crosswalk every day. This is a dangerous one even with the addition of neon flags – people still just walk out into the crosswalk.

I hope everyone involved – driver and pedestrian – are ok.

Irukandji September 22, 2008 (2:58 pm)

Next it’ll be some asinine West Seattle High student that thinks it’s cool to walk out in front of moving traffic. It’s frightening enough to be a pedestrian around WS using crosswalks – What I saw today passing WS High breaks my heart because these kids have no idea that darting in front of traffic could get them hurt or other drivers in an accident trying to avoid them.

I hope all involved in the reported accident come out of it okay.

JenV September 22, 2008 (3:13 pm)

I am at another dangerous crosswalk on California, btw- and someone was rear-ended while stopped for a pedestrian just this morning.

J September 22, 2008 (4:09 pm)

I’ve almost been hit in the intersection a few times… it’s a dangerous intersection – for some reason driver either don’t expect there to be pedestrians or aren’t paying attention. I’ve even had a metro bus not stop when I attempted to cross at the crosswalk. One thing is for sure – if you use this intersection be VERY careful!! And if you drive down California in this neighborhood be very aware of the crosswalks … they aren’t all marked really well.

a different J September 22, 2008 (4:30 pm)

I’m curious to know whether she was using one of the flags–isn’t this one of those intersections?

JumboJim September 22, 2008 (4:34 pm)

That crosswalk could hardly be better marked. Just look at the photo: the stripes appear to be painted well, there’s a flashing overhead light AND a sign showing pedestrian crossing at the side of the road.
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I would think that if the city added one of those strobe/flashing light systems into the pavement that was activated only when someone pushed a button to cross the street that would be a lot better sort of driver warning. Many other markers like permanent signs that never change just become “background scenery”.
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I sure hope the woman who was hit is ok. Keep your eyes peeled while on the road everyone!

Eli September 22, 2008 (4:41 pm)

I live in one of the apts at that corner and if I go to Rite-Aid, it is usually the first or last stop on my errand running. I really do not like crossing there.

Loo September 22, 2008 (4:58 pm)

I passed this scene today on my way to the West Seattle Nursery, and was puzzled by what I saw. With police standing all around, I saw someone in an old sedan speed up, and slam on the brakes. The car backed up to do it again.

After reading this blog update, it seems that’s how they were investigating how fast the car was going when the pedestrian was hit, perhaps? Interesting – I’ve never seen an investigation in action before.

The street was completely open by the time I left the nursery a while later. I hope everyone involved is OK!

mk September 22, 2008 (5:04 pm)

Any update on the women that was hit? Hope and prayers go for her.

WSB September 22, 2008 (5:10 pm)

I have just posted a quick update atop the page… police have just updated their media info line; she didn’t make it.

kp September 22, 2008 (5:15 pm)

I work right in the area and was just wondering if this was a hit and run?

What a terrible tragedy!

WSB September 22, 2008 (5:40 pm)

KP: I just doublechecked with police – no, not a hit-run. Loo: Yes, that’s often how such things are investigated … reenactments like what you saw. Kind of startling to see, I can imagine!

JAB September 22, 2008 (5:56 pm)

I’m so sorry to hear this has happened again.
I would like to point out something about that particular crosswalk that I think could be very relevant. The trees that hang over that crosswalk are lovely yet they really create a dappled shade that makes seeing people difficult.
I believe am a very cautious driver and I almost hit a young woman pushing a stroller there several weeks back. I did not see them in the shade until she raised her hand. I was mortified, I truly did not see them, and no I wasn’t on the cell phone or texting. Its just very difficult to see in that spot.
Heartful thoughts to all involved and to all in our community. We all need to take a deep breath slow down and be careful!

Jerald September 22, 2008 (9:40 pm)

I agree with JAB, that spot is particularly full of visual distractions. People waiting to cross just aren’t that noticeable. I wish they’d install those flashing lights in the pavement.

Sorry, comment time is over.