This story has been updated with additional information.
An adult and two children walking to Mendenhall River Community School were injured when they were struck by a vehicle on Back Loop Road on Thursday morning, but the injuries are not life-threatening and the driver has not been cited because the preliminary investigation indicates the person is not at fault, according to the Juneau Police Department.
“The preliminary investigation showed that a 19-year-old female pedestrian, along with two children, ages 7 and 3, ran into the roadway and was struck by a Ford F-150 pickup that was traveling east on Mendenhall Loop Road,” a statement issued Friday by JPD notes. “The truck was occupied by a 40-year-old male driver, and two passengers, ages 12 and 11. The occupants of the truck were uninjured. All three pedestrians sustained injuries and were transported to the Bartlett Regional Hospital. All three pedestrians were in stable condition, but the 7-year-old was later transported out of Juneau due to their injuries.”
A GoFundMe at https://gofund.me/4ffd3633 has been set up by a relative of one of the victims who requires medical treatment in Seattle.
The accident occurred about 30 minutes before sunrise. The road was blocked and traffic backed up for a short time while emergency vehicles responded at the scene.
The JPD statement offers a list of roadway safety reminders for this time of year.
“We all see the roadway a little bit differently,” the statement notes. “With snow, rain, and darkness, as well as everyday distractions, the roadway can be a pretty dangerous place. A person’s state of awareness, being mindful of their surroundings and their impacts on others around them, is going to be their best effort to be safe and help keep others safe while sharing the roadway.”
“Drivers, be committed to watch out for vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, children, road construction workers, and emergency responders.”
Tips offered for drivers by the department include:
• Maintaining safe speeds and slowing down when approaching people in the roadway.
• Approaching intersections with pedestrians in mind.
• Keep an eye on crosswalks when approaching them.
• Slow down when approaching roundabouts and not entering until it is safe to do so.
• Yielding to pedestrians in the roadway.
• Giving plenty of room when passing bicyclists.
• Minimizing driving distractions, especially cell phones.
Tips for pedestrians and cyclists include:, and other vulnerable roadway users;
• Minimize distractions such as using phones or wearing headphones.
• Wearing bright or reflective clothing for extra visibility.
• Crossing at marked crosswalks and intersections, preferably in well-lit areas.
• Make eye contact with other road users when possible.
• Making sure all vehicles have come to a complete stop before proceeding into the roadway. Don’t assume drivers see you.
• Contact Mark Sabbatini at mark.sabbatini@juneauempire.com or (907) 957-2306.
