Placer County, CA – According to the Sacramento Bee, on the morning of Monday, March 18, 2024, a Newcastle elementary school issued a shelter-in-place order for their students after an elderly female bicyclist was struck by a white commercial van just in front of school grounds.
The crash occurred at 10:50 AM at Ophir Elementary STEAM Academy on Lozanos Road. Investigators believe the victim to have been around 70 years old. The driver of the van remained at the crash site and cooperated with authorities.
Duty of Care Toward Cyclists and Pedestrians
Cyclists and pedestrians are owed a “duty of care” from drivers no matter where they meet. Motorists are legally obligated to monitor the roads ahead, and all mirrors and blind spots, for any rider who may be nearby. Drivers must hit the brakes to avoid any chance of a collision. This legal responsibility stems from the fact that cyclists and pedestrians travel with less protection alongside heavier and faster cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Drivers must also stop once a collision has occurred to get medical attention for a cyclist or pedestrian as fast as possible. Remaining on the scene, turning on hazard lights, and blocking off traffic also reduce the chances of the victim being struck by approaching motorists who may not be able to see an injured cyclist down in the street.
