Fatal Crash Witness Hopes to Improve Roadway Safety
In the wake of the fatal accident, one witness said she is hoping to organize an effort to ensure nothing like it ever happens again.
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For some of the witnesses of the fatal freeway crash that took the life of 2-year-old Leiana Ramirez in August, guilt is the one emotion that lingers nearly two months after the accident.
Mount Washington resident Jennifer Kert, 43, is one of those witnesses.
She told Highland Park-Mount Washington Patch that she was about 20 cars back when Leiana Ramirez perished inside her mother's burning vehicle.
"Reflecting on what happened, it's terrible," she said. "You just feel guilty. You think, 'I should have been up there sooner.'"
Now Kert said she's hoping she can transform those feelings into some productive action.
According to other witnesses who spoke to Patch, several nearby motorists and residents attempted to save the child, but were unable to because they lacked the proper tools.
"There was one guy who was trying to get the door open, but it was basically too late," witness Steven Goodrich told Patch in a previous interview. "Someone from one of the houses along the freeway got a fire extinguisher, it was too late. He didn't even know how to use it, though."
Click here to read the full interview with Goodrich
Capt. Tony Navarro of Fire Station 12 in Highland Park said that, had any of the nearby motorists been equipped with a fire extinguisher and the knowledge of how to use it, they might have saved Leiana Ramirez's life.
"A dry chemical extinguisher provides a temporary fix. It puts the fire out for a short period of time," he said. "If anyone had a fire extinguisher, they could have put the fire down and made an attempt to save the child."
Kert also noticed that firefighters were extremely hampered in their ability to respond to the accident by the Arroyo Seco Parkway's lack of fire lanes.
Navarro said that the narrowness of the parkway makes it difficult to navigate a large fire apparatus.
"It's very narrow, and when there's an accident the parkway can close up very quickly," he said. "It can make responding to accidents difficult."
Kert said she's not entirely sure what can be done to prevent another fatal accident like the one that killed Leiana Ramirez, but she said she's willing to organize a working group to help foster a discussion about the problem.
She encouraged anyone else interested in brainstorming about safety issues on the 110 to contact her.
"Is there something we can do with the freeway? Maybe we could start some sort of campaign to ensure that everyone who drives on the road is encouraged to keep a fire extinguisher in their car," she said. "I think this is an opportunity for those who couldn't do anything for Leiana Ramirez to save someone else."
Jennifer Kert can be reached at jkert@goodnplentymedia.com
Tyson
7:11 am on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Right around the time I heard about that crash and resulting fire and death, I had purchased a two pack of fire extinguishers for my home. I installed one in my kitchen and the other I put in the trunk of my car. Someone asked me how I intended to get the extinguisher out of the trunk if my car was on fire, I told them it's not for my car its for someone else's car fire.
Amy
8:35 am on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
It would also be nice if there were some huge signs telling drivers to SLOW down, especially when approaching blind curves.
bobo
3:10 pm on Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Drivers would have to slow down, that is the only way to make it safer. I drive the freeway everyday and every time drivers come into my lane or there is always one person who thinks this is a race course. I think if the "slow" lane was only used for getting on and off the freeway, like in South Pasadena, that may help because of the short on/off ramps, and there would only be two lanes, so you couldn't go very fast anymore! And have some more Highway Patrol on the freeway for the people who would drive in that lane because they are more important than everybody else (you know what I mean, selfish) I guess we could use all lanes for the morning rush and evening rush. Then we would also need more cops on Figueroa for the people who think that is a highway as well.
sMiLeZ =)
9:28 am on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
This story is so sad! The freeway is so tight, maybe there could be a fire lane on the other side of the fence, next to the river, with entrance & access to the freeway that only fire and police personal have access to? Or what about the homes near the freeway, maybe they should be offered fire extinguishers in case any of them are around when something like this happens. Do you think it would be possible to put extinguisers along the freeway like call boxes? This is Truely, Truely, Sad!
Rod A
10:11 am on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Quickest solution would be to simply reduce the speed limit to 40-45 mph. This can be especially helpful for those that may not be familiar with this freeway and may assume that they can drive 70mph like on most Socal freeways. Have warning signs posted for a couple of months for those that are used to traveling this highway to get people in the habit of slowing down; Along with regular police patrol. This freeway was never designed to handle this many cars traveling at 60 mph. On/off ramps barely give you enough room to safely enter and exit the freeway.
Why wait until someone finally decides to lower the speed limit? Do your part and slow down when driving this freeway. Since this accident occurred, it's been a constant reminder to slow down when I'm driving through here. Getting to where I'm going a few minutes faster is just not worth it!
Susan R
10:28 pm on Tuesday, October 11, 2011
There needs to be big and clear signs posted with the speed limit.
Many signs are faded, written on or hidden behind trees and bushes.
Marty Axelrod
7:38 am on Wednesday, October 12, 2011
I absolutely agree about lowering the speed limit at the Ave 60 curve. Especially crucial in rain. Signs are the least expensive fix there is. Lives would be saved.
Bob Bailey
9:38 am on Saturday, November 19, 2011
Back when we lower the fed speed limit to 55 we raised the speed limit on this frwy to 55. The speed limit was 45 mph. No one will adhere to a slower speed on this road. While you say I will your going to one of the few. To those that think I can get in the #1 lane and slow it down your only going to cause more accidents. Keeping the fire ext in the trunk is a mistake you wont be able to get to it quick enough. If you don't believe me do fire drill see how long it takes to get to it. Don't think your going to get out in a couple of seconds. You have to stop your car unhook seat belt shut the car off take keys out of car open your door then open trunk then find fire ext.