1 Woman Dead, Another Hurt After Being Struck By Driver, 16, In Carmichael
SACRAMENTO COUNTY (CBS13) – CHP is investigating a crash on Arden way in Carmichael that took the life of an elderly woman. Authorities said a teenage driver was behind the wheel.
This isn't the Arden way most are familiar with, it's a quiet section that backs up to the American River and a park, and many people walk along the road.
Stephanie Ellis said, "Safety is a big concern around here."
Ellis is always cautious when she walks her dogs along this stretch of Arden Way near McClaren Drive.
"I walk on the sidewalk side because and I am usually walking my dogs so I don't want them in danger," said Ellis.
The other side of Arden way in that spot does not have a sidewalk, only a shoulder. That's where two 72-year-old women were walking at 9:30 a.m when they were hit by a car. One of the women died and the other suffered major injuries.
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Investigators say a 16-year-old was behind the wheel. Investigators do not suspect alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash. Officers say the 16-year-old stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
"We don't know where she was going, what caused her to serve, if she experienced mechanical failure or if she was distracted," said Mike Zerfas with CHP.
CHP reminded the public that drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to talk on the phone while driving. Texting and driving are illegal for every driver.
"All it takes is just a moment to lose control of your car to swerve and for something bad to happen," said Officer Mike Zerfas.
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While authorities do not know if distracted driving is to blame here, neighbors wonder if speed was a factor.
"We see speeders going that way and at night you can hear them," Ellis said.
Ellis says she has confronted speeders before and others living nearby say parked cars have been damaged by them.
"You just have to be careful," said Stephanie Ellis.
No names of anyone involved in the incident have been released.