Distracted Driver Blamed For Hitting Pedestrian: Watsonville PD

WATSONVILLE, CA – In the wake of the first few days of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Watsonville police are reminding the public that inattention is a real threat after a pedestrian was struck by a car while crossing the street this morning, according to the city's Police Department.

Watsonville police said that at 7:58 a.m., officers responded to a report of an injury collision at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and Holm Road.

When officers arrived on scene, they determined that a vehicle struck the woman and the driver did not see her until it happened. The victim was airlifted to a trauma center and remains in critical condition as a
result of the collision, police said.

Police said a preliminary investigation showed that the victim was crossing Airport Boulevard when a vehicle traveling in the right lane hit her because the man driving was using his cellphone for navigation and did not
look up to see her.

Police said they will forward the case to the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office once the investigation is completed and charges may be filed against the driver.

Watsonville police said that there will be additional officers conducting cellphone enforcement during the week of April 9 in an effort to have drivers put their phones down and give the road their undivided
attention.

"A zero tolerance approach will be taken," the department said.

No information on the pedestrian's or driver's identities are available at this time.

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PREVIOUS: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 8:29 a.m.

Police this morning are investigating an injury collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian near Airport Boulevard and Holm Road, according to the Watsonville Police Department.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

--Patch will update when more information is available.

• ALSO SEE: Man Arrested In Watsonville On Suspicion Of Possessing Gun, Drugs

--Bay City News contributed to this report/Shutterstock image