A city councilman asked transportation officials Tuesday to conduct a safety review of a West Hills street where a woman, her mother and their dog were fatally struck while walking across the roadway.
The women, aged 31 and 69, were struck around 8:20 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Roscoe Boulevard and Jason Avenue, police said. Their names have not yet been released.
Police said the younger woman and the dog died at the scene, while the mother died en route to a hospital.
According to police, an SUV was being driven west on Roscoe when it struck the women and dog. The driver stopped at the scene and spoke to investigators, saying it was dark and he simply did not see the victims, police said.
The motorist was not cited, with police calling the deaths “a tragic accident.”
Some residents of the area told reporters that motorists often speed on Roscoe, and suggested that improvements — such as a traffic light — be made at the intersection to make it safer for people to cross.
Councilman Mitch Englander, who represents the area, said his “heart goes out … to the family” involved in the “devastating tragedy.”
He said he has asked Department of Transportation officials to “offer up solutions to re-engineer and make sure it’s a safe crossing.” Englander also urged the police department to step up its presence along the stretch in response to the complaints about speeders.
He said he opposes uncontrolled crosswalks that have lines painted on the ground that invite pedestrians to cross, but there are no lights or signs warning motorists to stop.
—City News Service