BMW collides with skateboarder in tragic San Diego accident, claiming innocent life

by

Michael Pines, Accident & Injury Prevention Expert

The San Diego community is mourning the Oct. 24th death of a 14-year-old boy following a tragic pedestrian accident on the residential streets of Chula Vista.

According to reports, the teenager was on his skateboard when he swerved and hit the pavement in order to avoid an oncoming BMW. Tragically, the boy was not wearing a helmet.

Authorities believe the accident occurred as a result of his hitting a raised dot in the road.

“It was dark and the BMW driver didn’t see the skateboarder,” said Chula Vista police Lt. Scott Arsenault. “[The driver] felt the impact and stopped. She didn’t do anything wrong.”

The accident occurred at 6:45 p.m. – a time of day that typically gets poor viability for drivers and pedestrians alike.

Reflective gear

Reflective safety gear is essential year-round, but especially this time of year when nightfall occurs earlier and earlier each day. A reflective jacket or even reflective tape can help distinguish your child’s silhouette in the dark. Take it a step further by setting “curfews” on playtime in the street.

Helmet use

Please make sure to always enforce your child’s helmet use no matter how experienced he or she may be at the sport. It’s so important in helping prevent head injuries that can cause death.

Sidewalk use

Please encourage your child to use sidewalks when available and encourage playtime in front of your home where you can supervise. Keep busy streets off-limits and set rules for which streets are allowed during after-school play.

About Michael Pines

Michael is an Accident & Injury Prevention Expert on a campaign to stop senseless accidents one blog at a time. As founder of the

Law Offices of Michael Pines

, he is a trusted legal advisor for those injured in accidents throughout the greater San Diego area.