PICO BLVD — An 80-year-old woman was struck and killed by a car driven by a fellow senior citizen Sunday morning as she illegally walked across Pico Boulevard near 26th Street, Santa Monica police said Monday.
The name of the victim was not released pending notification of next of kin.
SMPD Sgt. Richard Lewis said the victim was walking west on the south sidewalk of Pico Boulevard, about 30 feet east of 26th Street, when she started to cross Pico against a red light. Witnesses tried warning the woman against jaywalking when she was struck by a Toyota Prius traveling eastbound on Pico on a green light.
The driver, who was traveling around 30 mph, immediately stopped her car and cooperated with police, Lewis said. She was transported to a local hospital and had her blood drawn to determine if she was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The victim was also transported to a local hospital but she succumbed to her injuries.
“So far it looks to be a tragic accident,” he said.
The accidents marks the fifth fatality so far this year involving a pedestrian and an automobile, authorities said.
Lewis reminded those on foot to always look both ways before stepping out into the street and urged everyone to use crosswalks and not jaywalk. He asked that drivers pay close attention to the roadway and their surroundings, particularly when approaching intersections.
The accident is still under investigation and anyone with information is urged to contact Investigator Chris Dawson at (310) 458-8954.
kevinh@www.smdp.com
