Two More People Have Died on Our Streets this Weekend
Orange Grove and Marengo Crash Scene. Photo: RMG News
Regrettably, another pedestrian has become a victim of traffic violence in Pasadena. This time the victim was a person we only know as Bob, a 65 year old senior citizen, who was struck and killed by a hit and run driver on Friday night, November 13. The driver has since been arrested. The killing occurred on Orange Grove Blvd, one of the most dangerous streets in Pasadena per the city’s own crash data. According to rankings by the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Pasadena compared to 58 similar-sized California cities, is the 2nd most dangerous city for walkers 65 and older, the 2nd most dangerous city for people who are walking of all ages, the 4th most dangerous for people riding bicycles, and the 12th most dangerous city in regards to traffic violence overall.
Memorial for Bob on Orange Grove near Marengo
Photo: PasCSC
In the early morning hours of Sunday, November 15th, another fatal crash occurred further east on Orange Grove Blvd., between Oak and Craig. The driver, a woman, was killed and the passenger, a male, was seriously injured. Eyewitnesses of the crash scene believe this was a solo car crash caused by speeding.
Car in Solo Crash Being Hauled Away at Orange Grove between Craig and Oak.
Photo: PasCSC
In 2018, safety enhancements were proposed for Orange Grove Blvd that would have reduced speeding, crashes, serious injuries and fatalities, but elected officials resisted the proposal made by DOT and supported by community members because of vocal opposition in East Pasadena. Only one public meeting was ever held to review the proposal; it was held in East Pasadena. The second community meeting that would have been for residents of Northwest Pasadena was cancelled and along with it, so were the safety enhancements for Orange Grove Blvd.
Bob was the second pedestrian killed in Northwest Pasadena in the past few weeks. We once again call on our elected officials and the City to focus resources on permanent infrastructure projects that have been proven to reduce pedestrian, bicyclist, and motorist injuries and fatalities. Traffic fatalities are not inevitable and we should continuously be looking for ways to improve the design of our streets for the safety of all road users.
Yesterday was the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. We honor those we've lost.