Obituary – Death – Cause of death News :
In a tragic incident on Friday morning, an 82-year-old woman from Santa Cruz passed away in the hospital after being struck by an 80-year-old man on an electric bicycle. The crash occurred at around 5:50 a.m. on Opal Cliff Drive, east of Court Drive, when the man was riding his e-bike on the right shoulder of the road at an unknown speed.
The woman, identified as Helen “Pookie” Hines, was walking east of the bicyclist when the two collided for reasons that are still under investigation. The impact left the woman with major injuries, and she was rushed to Valley Medical Center via air ambulance. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
Hines’ daughter, Cindy Diola, described her mother as the heart of their family, a vibrant and loving individual who had been walking Opal Cliffs for 25 years. Diola shared that her mother was a kind and generous person, with a large and loving family who will deeply miss her presence.
The man on the e-bike also sustained injuries and was taken to Dominican Hospital for treatment. The California Highway Patrol is currently investigating the crash, with no suspicion of drugs or alcohol being involved in the incident.
This heartbreaking event serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance when sharing the road with other users. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Helen “Pookie” Hines during this difficult time.
Woman dies after being hit by an e-bike in California, CHP says
It is a sad day in California as a woman tragically lost her life after being struck by an e-bike. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has reported that the incident occurred in a residential area in Los Angeles County. The details of the accident are still under investigation, but one thing is clear – an e-bike was involved in the collision that resulted in the woman’s death.
What is an e-bike?
An e-bike, or electric bicycle, is a type of bicycle that is equipped with an electric motor to assist with propulsion. E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular as a mode of transportation, especially in urban areas where traffic congestion and pollution are major concerns. However, like any other vehicle, e-bikes can pose risks to both riders and pedestrians if not operated safely.
How did the accident happen?
According to the CHP, the woman was walking in the residential area when she was struck by the e-bike. It is unclear at this time what led to the collision, whether it was due to the rider’s error, a mechanical issue with the e-bike, or some other factor. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to be released in the coming days.
What are the laws regarding e-bikes in California?
In California, e-bikes are classified as bicycles rather than motor vehicles, which means they are subject to different regulations. For example, riders must be at least 16 years old to operate an e-bike, and they are not required to have a driver’s license. However, e-bike riders are still required to follow the rules of the road, including obeying traffic signals and yielding to pedestrians.
How can accidents involving e-bikes be prevented?
To prevent accidents like the one that occurred in Los Angeles County, it is important for both e-bike riders and pedestrians to be aware of their surroundings and follow safety guidelines. E-bike riders should always wear helmets and reflective gear, obey traffic laws, and be cautious when sharing the road with pedestrians. Pedestrians, on the other hand, should be alert and look both ways before crossing the street, even in residential areas where they may not expect to encounter vehicles.
In the wake of this tragic accident, it is crucial for all road users to be vigilant and considerate of one another. By practicing safe and responsible behavior, we can help prevent future accidents and ensure that our streets are safe for everyone.
Sources:
– Los Angeles Times
– California Highway Patrol