Yesterday I was at the ATM of my bank at the downtown location when an ambulance came screaming past toward State Street, the main street in town. It was around 4:45 - 5 p.m. and I noticed that with the sun in my eyes as I drove SW, I could barely see anything.

When I arrived home my son told me that a woman pedestrian and her 2 young teen sons had been hit by a car about a block away from my bank location. The accident happened at the corner of Carrillo (car-EE-o) and State Streets, also the sight of Saks Fifth Avenue and the location of a gang fight which broke out some time ago resulting in the death of a young teen. The unfortunate driver (who reportedly ran a red light) was a 65 year old female. She was reported to be 'hysterical' and apologetic at the scene. Police do not believe alcohol was involved after questioning the driver at the police station. The 52 year old mother and one of the sons were unconscious and are now in serious condition in the hospital.

The idea of closing State Street off from car traffic has been floating around for years. I've always felt it wasn't needed, but the amount of college kids and other 'cruisers' over the weekend and clogging the streets has made me think otherwise. This accident will possibly tilt the scales in the direction of a pedestrian shopping environment with the exception of the cross-streets, perhaps. I'll be interested to see what happens.

The results of the sun blinding a driver have been experienced with heartbreaking consequences just one year ago with the death of Jake Boysel. I began this blog because of that accident. That boy could have been one of my sons, riding his bicycle to school one morning of his first year in junior high school. The sun was blinding a man in his early 20's who, late to work, was speeding to get to work. He hit Jake in the bike lane from behind in an SUV. Jake was in a coma until his death a couple of days later. The driver was on trial, but the jury couldn't agree. A mistrial was declared. I don't know if the DA will re-try the case. It was an accident and Jake's parents have said they know it was accidental. They didn't seem anxious to convict anyone in the death of their son.

I wish drivers would not speed up if they can't see where they are going! I see it often. When driving in the bright sun, you can't see what is in those shadows! Ask anyone who has tried to hit a pitch thrown by a pitcher in or near shadows.

It seems that the college-aged kids driving around in their "trucks on steroids" feel so protected that they just have no caution whatsoever. I've seen them pass someone at a 4-way stop sign, unaware of the stop sign (I would guess) or the crosswalks that could have children legally crossing the street! I remember what it was like before my first car accident (not my fault) and the feeling that nothing could ever hurt me when a teenager.

If the sun is blocking your view, don't speed up! Slow down and look extra carefully!!!

Also, a trial is scheduled for the youth that stabbed the boy who died in the gang fight.