Run silent, run the risk

An elderly woman on a motorized scooter was hit by a car while trying to cross the street in Pacific Beach on Sunday morning, July 13, at 10:30 a.m.

The scooter entered the intersection of Mission Boulevard at Missouri Street from the northwest corner and was heading east across the busy beach thoroughfare. After making it halfway across the street, the scooter was struck by an all-electric Tesla Model S whose driver was attempting a left turn to proceed northbound.

The scooter, complete with canopy sunshade and sporting a bright orange flag on top, was overturned by the impact of the crash, causing its occupant to be thrown to the pavement.

Residents and pedestrians quickly came to the aid of the victim and diverted traffic around the scene while awaiting a response from a 911 call.

The driver of the car and his wife were here visiting from Arizona in the recently purchased red sedan. The Tesla, a high-end luxury vehicle, is known for its almost silent operation due to an all-electric motor. It is unknown if the woman was aware of the vehicle’s approach.

A nurse who happened to be in the area attended to the woman while awaiting the ambulance. She reported that the victim complained of pains in the chest and abdomen. Soon afterward, San Diego police and an ambulance arrived, and the woman was transported to the hospital.

There was no indication of whether or not any charges would be filed against the driver.