A man in a wheelchair was transported to the hospital after being hit by a vehicle in a Canyon Country parking lot Tuesday morning.
The incident was reported as a traffic collision with a pedestrian involved in the Bank of America parking lot near the intersection of Soledad and Whites canyon roads shortly before 10:45 a.m., according to Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Henry Narvaez.
The truck that hit the man reportedly fled the scene, and the suspect remained outstanding as of Tuesday afternoon, according to Deputy Natalie Arriaga, spokeswoman for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
The man was loaded into an ambulance in unknown condition and transported to the hospital as a result of the incident.
The incident remains under investigation, Arriaga added.
This month alone, two pedestrians have been sent to the hospital after being struck by vehicles, one of which was a minor hit by a vehicle near Canyon High School on Oct. 11.
October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, which Caltrans is using as a way to highlight tips for both motorists and pedestrians to “Think Two Steps Ahead” and look out for one another.
Pedestrian safety tips for drivers:
- Follow the speed limit, and slow down on busy streets and at intersections.
- Avoid distractions like cell phones, in-dash touchscreens and other things that take your eyes or mind off the road.
- Be extra careful when approaching crosswalks.
- Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks.
- Avoid blocking crosswalks when waiting to make a right-hand turn.
- Turn headlights on and slow down at night when it’s more difficult to see pedestrians.
- Never drive impaired.
Safety tips for pedestrians:
- Stay off the phone when crossing the street.
- Be predictable, and use crosswalks.
- Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.
- Make eye contact and give a quick nod or wave to let drivers know that you see them and help confirm that they see you before crossing.
- Be especially careful crossing streets and entering crosswalks at night when it is harder for drivers to see you.
- Walk with a flashlight and wear a reflective vest at night to make it easier for drivers to see you.
