Full Notification

On 09/15/12 at approximately 10:23pm, a pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle at the intersection of California St. and Pettis Ave. in Mountain View. The pedestrian, who was visiting Mountain View from Illinois, was crossing California St. at Pettis Ave. and was struck by a vehicle traveling west on California St. The pedestrian suffered major injuries and was transported to Stanford Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The Mountain View Police Department is investigating the collision to determine the cause. The driver of the vehicle was not believed to be under the influence of alcohol and excessive speed was not an issue.

The Mountain View Police Department is seeking the public's assistance and is asking that anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact the Mountain View Police Department. Investigators can be reached at 650-903-6344.

UPDATE:

The Mountain View Police Department has concluded its investigation in the death of a pedestrian following a vehicle accident at 10:23 PM on September 15, 2012. In this case, the pedestrian was crossing California Street near Pettis Avenue when he was struck by a passing vehicle. The pedestrian suffered major injuries and was transported to Stanford Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The Mountain View Police Department investigated the collision and determined that the vehicle speed and the sobriety of the driver was not a contributing factor in the collision. Based on driver and witness statements, evidence at the scene, the type of injuries sustained, the damage location on the vehicle and all investigative accident tools used, the Primary Collision Factor could not be established to a reasonable certainty. The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office has reviewed this case and determined that no charges will be filed against the driver of the vehicle.

Pedestrian safety is a serious issue. The California Drivers Handbook says the following about pedestrians and crosswalks:

In California, pedestrian deaths occur in approximately 19 percent of all traffic fatalities. Drive cautiously when pedestrians are near because they may suddenly cross your path.

Pedestrians may be at risk walking near hybrid and electric vehicles because these vehicles are virtually silent while operating. Use extra caution when driving near pedestrians.

Respect the right-of-way of pedestrians. Always stop for any pedestrian crossing at corners or other crosswalks, even if the crosswalk is in the middle of the block, at corners with or without traffic lights, whether or not the crosswalks are marked by painted lines.

Do not pass a vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk. A pedestrian you cannot see may be crossing the street. Stop, then proceed when all pedestrians have crossed the street.

Do not drive on a sidewalk, except to cross it to enter or exit a driveway or alley. When crossing, yield to all pedestrians.

Do not stop in a crosswalk. You will place pedestrians in danger.

Remember, if a pedestrian makes eye contact with you, he or she is ready to cross the street. Yield to the pedestrian.

Allow older pedestrians, disabled pedestrians and pedestrians with young children sufficient time to cross the street.

A crosswalk is the part of the roadway set aside for pedestrian traffic. Most intersections have a pedestrian crosswalk whether or not lines are painted on the street. Most crosswalks are located at corners, but they can also be located in the middle of the block. Before turning a corner, watch for people about to cross the street.

Pedestrians have the right-of-way in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

Crosswalks are often marked with white lines. Yellow crosswalk lines may be painted at school crossings. Most often, crosswalks in residential areas are not marked.

Some crosswalks have flashing lights to warn you that pedestrians may be crossing. Look for pedestrians and be prepared to stop, whether or not the lights are flashing.