Witnesses told the Chula Vista police department the father entered the intersection after the automatic warning arms had been lowered.  The operator of the Trolley had little time to react and apply the brakes; the Northbound trolley apparently struck the bicycle at approximately 45 mph; the force of the impact sent both father and daughter about 40 feet down the length of the tracks.  The accident is under investigation by the Metropolitan Transit System and the police.  Any finding will be turned over to the Chula Vista District Attorneys Office which may consider charges against the father for child endangerment.

The police said Veronica was not wearing a helmet, and she unfortunately passed away at Rady Children’s Hospital in Kearny Mesa.  The father, 34 year-old Gregorio Ramirez declined to comment and was treated for a broken hip.  Mr. Rob Schupp, a spokesperson for the San Diego Trolley, expressed his sorrow for the tragic death and reminded everyone that people MUST stop at railroad crossings when the safety arms are lowered; he further commented the Trolley operator sounded his horn, but could not stop the Trolley in time to prevent this tragic accident.  My thoughts go out to the family of the little girl.

Apparently there has been some concern about the Pedicab industry in San Diego; and the San Diego city council committee recently passed new regulations for pedicabs by limiting their number on San Diego downtown streets from 400 to 250.  The city would like to make it a requirement for all Pedicab drivers to have a California drivers license to help ensure they all know the rules of the road.  That regulation would require a change to the current California Vehicle Code.   According to Police Detectives, this unfortunate accident happened on the Martin Luther King Promenade  which is across the street from the San Diego Convention Center in the Southern part of the downtown area, which can, and does get quite congested with traffic and Pedicabs.  Apparently, the Pedicabs are not allowed in this area.

Mrs. Miller was in town for the National Education Association which was holding a convention and she was in town with her husband.  At the time of the accident, she was with a friend.  According to published reports, Mr. Safacinar was driving the Pedicab in a serpentine type pattern in order to give the riders more of a “thrilling” ride.  Police detectives have went on to say that the occupants asked Mr. Safacinar to stop that type of riding but he did not.  I am very sorry to hear about this unfortunate accident and wish the family well.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SAN DIEGO BRAIN INJURIES, PLEASE SEE THE FOLLOWING VIDEO: