Seven year old Maria Perez was struck by an RV near Hatch Elementary School, at the intersection of Pilarcitos and Kelly Ave [Yahoo Map] on Thursday at 8am. Perez, seriously injured, was taken to San Mateo County General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The Chronicle says that although the driver apparently stopped at the crosswalk, the design of this intersection may be partially at fault:
Residents have complained about the area along Kelly Avenue near Highway 1 and Pilarcitos Avenue, saying the combination of vehicle congestion and high foot-traffic use—with students walking to and from Hatch Elementary and Cunha Intermediate School—was a dangerous mix.
...
Cabrillo Unified School District Board Member Dwight Wilson said the accident probably will renew debate on possible crossing guards or police supervision for Kelly Avenue. He said the district considered organizing crossing guards two years ago when it stopped busing but dropped the issue because of funding and liability concerns.
Visit the intersection. Kelly at this location is clearly more suited as an access road to Highway 1 than it is for pedestrians.
Donations for the family can be sent to:
Perez Family
c/o Hatch School
490 Miramontes Avenue
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
