Tragic Loss: Elderly El Paso Man Succumbs to Injuries After Scooter Accident

In a heartbreaking turn of events, an 84-year-old El Paso man has passed away nearly a month after being struck by a car while riding his scooter in the city's east side. The incident, which occurred on August 18th, has left the community mourning the loss of a beloved member and raised concerns about the safety of elderly pedestrians and scooter users on the roads.

Shedding Light on a Preventable Tragedy

The Fateful Collision

The tragic incident took place on August 18th, when Manuel Pedraza was riding his scooter along the 12100 block of New World Drive in east El Paso. As Pedraza was traveling northbound on the 1700 block of Joe Battle Blvd., a driver in a 2019 Honda Passport failed to yield the right of way while turning right, striking the elderly man as he was crossing an unmarked crosswalk.Pedraza was immediately rushed to a hospital with severe injuries, but his condition continued to deteriorate. He was subsequently transferred to a long-term care facility, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on September 10th.

Investigating the Causes

According to the initial investigation by the El Paso Police Department's Special Traffic Investigations unit, the primary contributing factor to the collision was the failure of the Passport driver to yield the right of way. This tragic incident has once again highlighted the importance of driver awareness and the need for greater vigilance when it comes to sharing the roads with vulnerable road users, such as the elderly and those using alternative modes of transportation.

The Lasting Impact

Pedraza's passing marks the 49th traffic fatality in El Paso this year, a sobering statistic that underscores the ongoing challenges the city faces in ensuring the safety of its residents. The community has been deeply affected by this loss, with many expressing their condolences and calling for increased measures to protect the elderly and promote safer driving practices.

Honoring the Victim

Manuel Pedraza was a beloved member of the El Paso community, and his tragic death has left a profound impact on those who knew him. As the city mourns his loss, it is crucial that his memory be honored and that his story serves as a catalyst for meaningful change in the way the city approaches road safety and the protection of its most vulnerable citizens.

Addressing the Issue

The El Paso Police Department has vowed to continue its investigation into the incident, and local authorities have pledged to work closely with the community to identify and implement strategies that can help prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. This may include enhanced driver education programs, improved infrastructure for pedestrians and scooter users, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

A Call to Action

The loss of Manuel Pedraza has underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to road safety in El Paso. By working together, the city's residents, policymakers, and law enforcement can take proactive steps to ensure that the streets are safer for all who use them, and that the memory of those who have been lost is honored through meaningful change.