I was shocked and saddened by the story regarding the two women who were hit, one killed, on Pacific Coast Highway in the Paradise Cove area. I didn’t read that anyone was held accountable.
There have been three fatal car accidents in less than a year. The shocking part is the “flippant” way the accidents happen and the way they are investigated. Last summer a bicycle rider was struck and killed, his son injured. This case is still open. Then, just before the winter holidays, a man was killed on Corral Canyon. According to witnesses, the authorities let the woman who hit him drive away without testing. I was hit by a car and my Great Dane killed in 2004. Three cars went by us, two hitting us. No one stopped and although there was a witness, a very poor “investigation” was conducted and no one was found or came forward. This recent accident is more shocking due to the number of cars that hit the woman and just kept going! How could as many as eight cars hit a living being and just keep driving, totally unaware!
We all have to tone up our awareness. Even when I try to think of every scenario possible while driving, anything can happen. The woman holding the child getting the beach stuff out of the car while her two toddlers walk around her legs. I think, oh, they can just dart out into the street! The dog getting out of the car or on a loosely held leash. That dog can run out into the street.
Cars are made to drive too fast for these roads. People automatically go fast no matter what speed is posted. This is why I move to the right if a car behind me is itching to go fast. Let them pass me and drive on, better then being behind me cursing, having a fit because they can’t pass. Fatal accidents are getting to be the norm. Please, we must become more aware and have better laws to make those that cause these accidents be accountable.
Ah, for the days when we drove around the Point slowly, around the kids and dogs playing. What’s the rush? Let’s respect life and be aware of all the living beings around us.
Alessandra DeClario