A father was killed, and his daughter injured, when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver Tuesday night near the Santa Monica Place mall.
The accident happened at 8:15 p.m. An Austrian tourist, 50-years-old, was crossing Colorado Ave. near the Santa Monica Place mall and Sears, with his family. Driver Cara Cameron, a 26-year-old Westchester resident, was traveling at approximately 40 mph when the driver swerved, struck the 8-year-old girl, and stuck her father with the front of her car.
The father was pronounced dead at the hospital. His daughter suffered minor injuries.
The decedent's wife told police officers that the family had walked against the red light, after looking both ways and seeing no traffic.
After the collision, Cameron stopped her car and cooperated with police. According to police, the driver said she didn't see the pedestrians until it was too late. The driver had a green light. The driver was arrested for vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence. She was released after posting $100,000 bail. Cameron's arraignment is scheduled for September 21st at the Airport Courthouse.
Santa Monica has been the location of several hit-and-run collisions over the last few months. Cartoon producer Roger Slifer, who remains hospitalized in a coma, was struck by a hit-and-run driver on June 23rd at 5th and Colorado, while Slifer, a pedestrian, was in a crosswalk. A fatal hit-and-run happened on July 10th on Pacific Coast Highway. Venice resident Erin Galligan, 30-years-old) was bicycling on PCH when she was struck by a pickup truck that fled the scene. Another fatal hit-and-run happened on July 16th when a 30-year-old pedestrian was hit and killed while crossing 21st St. at Wilshire.
Chris Dawson, a traffic investigator for the Santa Monica Police Department, recommends that pedestrians and bicyclists do their best to make themselves visible to drivers. He recommends wearing a light or bright colors, making eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street, and choosing routes that are less traveled by motorists.
According to Dawson, about 30% of crashes in Santa Monica are hit-and-runs.
If you have been the victim of a hit-and-run accident or DUI accident in Santa Monica, speak with a personal injury attorney at McGee, Lerer & Associates. Consultations are free. A lawyer at our firm is available 24/7 for a free consultation.