Three students were injured and taken to a local hospital after they were hit crossing El Camino Real in Sunnyvale on Monday morning. The crash happened at the intersection of El Camino Real and Poplar Avenue around 7:37 a.m. It’s about two-tenths of a mile from Peterson Middle School.
According to a post on the NextDoor app by Sunnyvale Vice Mayor Russell Melton, “The three students were treated on scene by DPS Fire and County Paramedics. All three were conscious and oriented when transported to [a local hospital].”
Melton continued to say one student suffered a possible concussion, one had a compound fracture of the lower leg/ankle and one student had a compound fracture of the lower leg.
“The driver was cooperative and did remain at the scene and there is no suspected drugs or alcohol as a collision factor,” said Captain Ava Fannuchi of Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Fannuchi says the investigation is ongoing.
Parents of students at Peterson Middle School say they have repeatedly contacted the City of Sunnyvale and DPS to talk about how dangerous the intersection of El Camino Real and Poplar Avenue is for students headed to school.
There are currently no crossing guards at the intersection.
“We are always evaluating where we place crossing guards at intersections, so we will continue to do that,” said Fannuchi. “We always encourage parents to speak with their children about safety when walking or biking anywhere within the City but also to and from school.”
Melton and City Manager Kent Steffens were expected to talk to parents on Oct. 29, but postponed that meeting to find a larger venue. The date and time are to be determined. Until then, community members are invited to attend the regular City Council meeting Tuesday night at 7 p.m.
“We are incredibly thankful that the accident was not worse,” said Santa Clara Unified School District Public Information Officer Jennifer Dericco. “We are in communication with the City of Sunnyvale about the safety concerns at El Camino Real and Poplar Avenue and it is our understanding that they intend to hold a public meeting at a future date and time.
“Yes, some students did, unfortunately, witness the accident,” Dericco continued. “We offer on-campus counseling services for any student that needs support. Our staff is monitoring students and referring them to the school’s Wellness Center as needed. Families may also let the office know directly if they feel their child can use counseling support.”
One parent told The Weekly that over a year ago parents were asked to fill out a City survey for the Vision Zero plan. He says many of the parents mentioned the problems at the intersection.
Sunnyvale’s Vision Zero plan was approved at the end of July of this year. The Vision Zero plan is designed to make City streets safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.
The intersection where this latest accident occurred is in what Sunnyvale has deemed the High Injury Network, a collection of roads that Sunnyvale has determined the most vehicle versus pedestrian or bicyclist collisions occur.
In September, the City of Sunnyvale implemented a 15 miles per hour rule around the City’s 16 public schools. However, this intersection is too far away from the school to be affected by the change.
