Grandmother, Granddaughter Seriously Injured in Modesto Pedestrian Accident at West Orangeburg Avenue and Martin Avenue
Modesto, California (September 13, 2021) – A grandmother and her granddaughter were struck and seriously injured by a vehicle while walking to a school Monday morning in northwestern Modesto, according to Modesto police.
The major injury collision occurred at about 8:00 a.m. at the intersection of West Orangeburg Avenue and Martin Avenue.
Police said the 54-year-old woman and her 8-year-old granddaughter were walking across the intersection inside a crosswalk when they were hit by a sedan that was heading eastbound on Orangeburg Avenue.
Major Injury Pedestrian Accident in Modesto
Emergency personnel responded to the scene and found the two pedestrians lying on the roadway. Authorities said the girl was airlifted to a hospital in critical condition while her grandmother was hospitalized with moderate injuries to her leg.
The 21-year-old driver stopped at the scene and cooperated with the authorities. Neither alcohol nor drugs were suspected factors in the collision.
The crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information or who witnessed the crash is urged to email Officer Olson at [email protected].
Notable Pedestrian Accident Statistics According to the California Office of Traffic Safety:
- 893 pedestrians were killed, and more than 14,000 were injured on California roadways in 2018.
- California's pedestrian fatality is almost 25% higher than the national average.
- California is among the leading states in pedestrian deaths.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Make yourself visible to other road users by wearing bright colored clothes, reflector jackets, or using a flashlight when walking at night.
- Avoid distractions such as using your phone while on the streets.
- Cross streets on marked crosswalks and obey traffic lights.
- Always pay attention to your surroundings.
- Be predictable by observing all traffic rules and obeying signs and signals.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Look out for pedestrians, particularly in hard-to-see conditions, for example, at night and in bad weather.
- Yield and be ready to stop whenever a pedestrian has the right-of-way.
- Be cautious when parking or backing up – pedestrians can move across your path.
- Observe all traffic rules.