Probe into Gilroy traffic fatality finds driver failed to yield

"Andrew Stuart, 44, and Stacia Stuart, 43, were walking in a crosswalk at Charles Lux Drive and Lopez Way when a teen driver hit them just after 8 a.m. on Jan. 16, according to police and the Santa Clara County Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office. The couple had just dropped off their daughter at Las Animas Elementary School."

"the major accident investigation team ultimately determined that the driver "failed to yield to pedestrians" while making a right turn from Charles Lux Drive onto Lopez Way. Officers also "identified environmental visual obstructions and physical visual obstructions in the vehicle as contributing factors in the incident," as well as documented other vehicle code violations "related to equipment requirements and driver restrictions.""

"efforts are underway to address safety around Las Animas. They include increased patrols during drop-off and pick-up times and an independent traffic study of intersections surrounding the school, according to the update. The city and school district are also working to improve vehicle safety measures and flow at school sites."

Andrew Stuart, 44, and Stacia Stuart, 43, were struck by a teen driver while crossing at Charles Lux Drive and Lopez Way in Gilroy on January 16 after dropping their daughter at school. Andrew died at the scene; Stacia died at the hospital. The Gilroy Police Department's investigation concluded the driver failed to yield to pedestrians while turning right and identified environmental and vehicle visual obstructions as contributing factors. Additional vehicle code violations related to equipment and driver restrictions were documented. The case was submitted to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office and Juvenile Probation Department for charging decisions. Safety measures around Las Animas Elementary School include increased patrols during school times and an independent traffic study.

Read at The Mercury News