Fatal Crash on Highway 4 Bypass
According to Bay City News, the state Highway 4 Bypass in Brentwood reopened Sunday, April 3, 2011 during the afternoon. The Bypass was opened back up more than seven hours after initially being shut down due to a fatal crash, a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer told reporters.
The accident was reported to have occurred on the Highway 4 Bypass just east of Lone Tree Way at about 5:00 a.m., CHP Officer Eric Anderson said, according to Bay City. The incident also involved a pedestrian, who was apparently struck on the roadway and killed, Anderson explained in the story.
In addition, the Bypass was shut down in both the north and southbound directions until 12:14 p.m. while Brentwood police conducted an investigation of the incident. At that time, the victim’s name was not being released pending notification of next of kin.
What happened yesterday is tragic and a prime example of how dangerous California can be for citizens on foot. Whether residents are walking, jogging, biking, or hiking, it is imperative for pedestrians in San Francisco and across the nation to be both aware of their surroundings and alert for distracted and or drunk drivers. So how can one spread awareness for something like this in your neighborhood?
It looks like Santa Monica is doing it already. In fact, on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. until noon, a workshop is being held on the issue of Pedestrian Safety via Sustainable Streets. This particular morning-long workshop is aimed at seniors and will bring seniors together with law enforcement, transportation and senior program officials who will share their knowledge and advice about Santa Monica’s walking environment, driver behavior and traffic enforcement.
Finally, the event gives participants real world experience because the workshop features a downtown walking tour identifying hazards and potential injuries that might befall the unaware. As a result, this workshop is simply one way to get people’s attention and help spread awareness on the issue of pedestrian safety in California. Let’s hope San Francisco is next!