The city of Vallejo, California, a recent tragic incident left a 24-year-old woman with serious injuries. Elena Hernandez was struck by an unlicensed driver while using the crosswalk at the Sacramento and Redwood Streets intersection on today. The collision was captured on surveillance footage, and since the incident, Vallejo residents have been increasingly vocal about the safety concerns posed by the intersection's design.

According to a KTVU article, Hernandez was hit by a truck while she was walking to a nearby store to purchase medication for her father. The unlicensed driver was attempting to make a left turn when the collision occurred. Although Hernandez was being cautious and checking for oncoming traffic, she did not see the truck before it hit her.

In an interview from her hospital bed in North Bay Medical Center in Fairfield, Hernandez expressed her anguish over the incident, stating, "Right now, I don't feel angry, I feel sad." She is currently recovering from a fractured skull, broken ribs, and other injuries, as reported by KTVU reporter Henry K. Lee on Twitter.

 

“Right now I’m not angry, I’m sad.” Woman speaks out from hospital bed after she’s hit by truck while in crosswalk at Sacramento & Redwood in Vallejo. She suffered fractured skull & broken ribs,says @AmberKTVU. Driver, who is unlicensed, stopped. Crash caught on video. @VallejoPd pic.twitter.com/xPlxbu6SFS

— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) September 9, 2023

 

Residents living near the Sacramento and Redwood Streets intersection are no strangers to close calls and accidents. Sara Anders, a neighbor, shared that she had almost been hit several times while living in the area for five years. The intersection's dangerous design stems from the fact that the signal light turns white for pedestrians to cross the street simultaneously as oncoming traffic receives a green light to turn left.

Anders stressed the need to quickly address the safety hazards in the area, telling KTVU, "I would like to see at least a sign that says yield to pedestrians and maybe one that's flashing so it gets the driver's attention: Hey, there's a crosswalk here."

The unlicensed driver who caused the accident was cited for a misdemeanor and released by local law enforcement. Although the driver cooperated with the officers and expressed remorse for the accident,  Hernandez's family insists on the importance of holding the driver accountable for his actions. Danica Hernandez, the victim's sister, was quoted in the KTVU article expressing her frustration, asking, "Why are you driving without a license? You're putting people at risk."

As Hernandez continues her recovery, she is grateful to be alive and able to speak out about her experience. "I'm trying to stay positive," she told KTVU. "I can talk to you guys. I'm still alive, not in a coma. I still have pain."