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Santa Paula emergency personnel responded Wednesday to East Main Street where a 69-year-old Fillmore woman was struck by a vehicle, a collision the SPPD said could have been caused by the driver’s impaired vision due to the sun.
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Pedestrian severely injured when struck by vehicle on E. Main
November 20, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
A 69-year-old Fillmore woman received severe injuries Wednesday when she was struck by a vehicle driven by a 26-year-old Santa Paula female, a collision that could have resulted from being blinded by the sun.
According to Santa Paula Police Sgt. Jeremy Watson, also the SPPD Traffic Investigator, the incident occurred about 4:32 p.m. when Dispatch received a report that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle in the 700 block of East Main Street.
When officers arrived on scene they found a 69-year-old Fillmore resident had been struck by a vehicle; Santa Paula Fire EMTs also responded to render aid.
Watson said, “At this time it appears the pedestrian was walking south across Main Street to her vehicle when she was struck by the westbound vehicle,” driven by the unidentified driver.
“At this time of day, the setting sun can be blinding to westbound drivers,” and Watson said, the female driver told investigators, “The sun was bright and making it difficult for her to see,” while driving when suddenly she “hit something…”
The driver stopped at the scene.
After being treated on scene by SPFD EMTs and ambulance paramedics the woman, suffering from what Watson described as “severe injuries” was transported to Ventura County Medical Center’s Trauma Unit.
She is currently listed in critical condition.
The investigation into the collision is on going, however, he added, “It does not appear that alcohol or drugs were a factor,” in the collision.
SPPD Commander Ish Cordero said “At this time of the year people should be more aware,” while driving west that “The sun is a big factor in visibility…drivers should slow speeds and be extra careful.”
Pedestrians should also be extra careful when they cross streets and keep in mind the sun’s effect on westbound drivers.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is encouraged to contact the SPPD, 805-525-4474.
