The accident happened when a 17-year-old driver struck the back of a Chevy HHR that was stopped at a red traffic light. The HHR Chevy, which was occupied by a 61-year-old, was pushed into the intersection after being struck from behind, directly into the path of the Motorcycle Cop. The Officer, identified as 33-year-old Nathaniel Walker, was rushed to Palomar Medical Center where he underwent surgery. Although the injuries were serious, Capt. Gary Wedge of the Chula Vista Police Department later issued a statement indicating that Officer Walker was expected to make a full recovery.
While the matter is still under investigation, it is believed that the 17-year-old driver lost attention and failed to recognized the stopped traffic in front of her because she was using her telephone to text while driving. The accident is a reminder of the serious dangers that can occur in the use of telephones while driving.
We wish the best for Officer Walker and the others involved in the accident in making a full recovery. While the law prohibits the use of non-hands free telephones and texting while driving, it is a recognized problem that continues to occur. We do hope that the accident serves as a reminder to adults and young drivers that speaking on a telephone or texting while driving is a danger that can result in accidents that cause serious injury and/or death.
