Redwood City, CA (May 13, 2025) – A 17-year-old girl was left in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle that ran a red light while she was crossing in a marked crosswalk in Redwood City, according to local police.
The crash occurred around noon near the intersection of El Camino Real and Dumbarton Avenue. Authorities reported that the teen was walking through the crosswalk when a speeding vehicle entered the intersection against a red light, violently striking her and launching her into the air before she landed unconscious.
Emergency medical personnel arrived quickly and transported the teen to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Her identity has not been released due to her age, and her current condition has not been updated.
Redwood City police stated on Monday that the driver of the vehicle—a 64-year-old man—may have experienced a medical episode immediately before the collision. Early findings indicate there was no evidence of drug or alcohol impairment.
The intersection was temporarily closed while officers conducted a thorough investigation. No charges or citations have been confirmed at this time, pending further review of the driver’s medical status and contributing factors.
Our thoughts are with the young victim and her family during this difficult time, and we hope for her full and swift recovery.
Pedestrian Safety and Red-Light Collisions in California
Incidents like the one in Redwood City highlight the severe consequences of red-light violations, particularly in pedestrian-heavy zones such as El Camino Real. Marked crosswalks are designed to provide safe passage, but when drivers disregard traffic signals or suffer medical episodes, even these designated areas can become dangerous.
Teens and young adults are especially vulnerable in urban intersections, where speed and driver error can turn a normal walk into a life-altering tragedy. In this case, the victim was lawfully using a marked crosswalk in broad daylight, underscoring the unpredictability of pedestrian risk.
California law imposes strict penalties for red-light violations, and cases involving serious injury often lead to investigations that consider both criminal and civil accountability. When a medical episode may be involved, authorities must determine whether the driver had a known history that could have been managed or mitigated.
For victims and families, the aftermath of such an incident can involve long-term hospitalization, physical therapy, and significant emotional trauma. Early access to medical, legal, and psychological support is crucial to recovery.
At Local Accident Reports, we’re committed to keeping communities informed while providing compassionate guidance for those impacted by serious crashes. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a pedestrian collision, we can help connect you with the resources and information needed to move forward safely and confidently.