Setting Sun Blamed After 2 Pedestrians Get Hit By Car In Temecula

Two females walking along Pauba Road in Temecula were hit by a car Monday evening and the setting sun is being blamed.

The two unidentified females were hit shortly after 5:30 p.m. near the intersection of Pauba and Elinda roads, according to Sgt. Jon Wade of the Temecula Police Department.

The preliminary investigation revealed the driver of a Toyota Matrix four-door was headed westbound on Pauba with two young children in the car, Wade reported.

“The driver was traveling directly into the setting sunlight… . As the driver reached the bottom of the hill, the vehicle entered into a shaded area under overhanging trees,” the sergeant reported.

The shift from light to shade allegedly caused visibility problems.

“As the driver transitioned from having direct sunlight in their eyes into the shaded area, the driver drifted into the bicycle lane and struck two female pedestrians who were walking westbound within the bicycle lane,” Wade reported.

“One of the pedestrians was thrown a substantial distance after impact with the vehicle and sustained major injuries. The second pedestrian received moderate injuries after being struck by the vehicle's passenger side mirror,” Wade continued.

Both pedestrians were transported to a regional medical center for treatment.