(Ramona, CA) A State Route 67 crash resulted in the death of Kathleen Bonie Mess, 76, Tuesday morning, October 19, after a car struck her mobility scooter, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The collision occurred around 4:55 a.m. near Julian Street. A 2014 Toyota Camry traveled northbound hit the Mess’s three-wheeled scooter from behind on the roadway. CHP Officer Jasmine Lopez said the impact threw her onto the pavement. Paramedics arrived shortly after and pronounced Mess dead at the scene.
Authorities said intoxication does not appear to have been a factor in the crash.
Perspective on the State Route 67 Crash
Tragic crashes involving mobility devices often highlight visibility challenges and the need for greater caution on roads shared by both vehicles and vulnerable road users. This collision will likely lead investigators to review lighting conditions, driver attentiveness, and roadway design.
Because the collision involved a pedestrian-style vehicle being struck from behind, the Three Feet for Safety Act may be examined. This law requires drivers maintain a safe distance when overtaking bicycles or similar slow-moving devices. Even though scooters are not bicycles, the same principles of caution apply.
In addition, the Basic Speed Law may be relevant. It requires drivers to operate their vehicles at a speed that is safe for current conditions. This can include darkness, road curves, and reduced visibility. Traveling too fast on unlit stretches of highways can make it difficult to spot smaller vehicles or pedestrians ahead.
CHP officers will continue gathering evidence and witness accounts to determine the precise cause of the State Route 67 crash and whether roadway lighting or additional safety measures could prevent similar tragedies like the one involving Kathleen Bonie Mess.
Support for Mess’s Family
Losing a loved one in such a sudden way is deeply painful, and help is available for those affected. Mess’s family from the State Route 67 crash can contact the California Highway Patrol’s San Diego Area Office for updates. Once the investigation is concluded, you can also request a copy of the official collision report.
The San Diego County Victim Assistance Program also provides grief counseling and financial support for families navigating the aftermath of fatal roadway incidents. Speaking with a wrongful death attorney may help clarify your rights and options as you seek justice and closure.
If you have any concerns about navigating the legal process surrounding this incident, call 866-883-4318 to speak with a lawyer.
