William Blackburn Struck, Injured by Vehicle on Highway 49 in North San Juan
William Blackburn Hospitalized after North San Juan Pedestrian Accident on Highway 49
North San Juan, California (May 21, 2021) – William Blackburn, 71, of North San Juan, has been identified as the pedestrian who was struck and injured by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon in North San Juan.
The accident happened at around 3:34 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, on Highway 49 in front of the Brass Rail, according to the California Highway Patrol.
CHP said Blackburn was crossing Highway 49 in front of the Brass Rail when he was hit by a vehicle that was heading southbound. The impact sent him flying through the air and onto the ground.
Blackburn sustained possible major injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where he is currently listed in fair condition.
The driver, Alfred Rissitto, 49, of Nevada City, was cited for misdemeanor DUI.
The highway was temporarily closed due to the wreck.
An investigation into the crash is underway.
Pedestrian Accidents in California
The number of pedestrians being seriously injured or killed in California is increasing every year due to the growing numbers of people walking in the streets and the ever-increasing number of motor vehicles on the roads.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Make yourself visible to other road users by wearing bright colored clothes, reflector jackets, or using a flashlight when walking at night.
- Avoid distractions such as using your phone while on the streets.
- Cross streets on marked crosswalks and obey traffic lights.
- Always pay attention to your surroundings.
- Be predictable by observing all traffic rules and obeying signs and signals.
Safety Tips for Drivers
- Look out for pedestrians, particularly in hard-to-see conditions, for example, at night and in bad weather.
- Yield and be ready to stop whenever a pedestrian has the right-of-way.
- Be cautious when parking or backing up – pedestrians can move across your path.
- Observe all traffic rules.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident and need legal help, call our law firm at Click to call : 866-803-6502 and talk to an accident attorney.
