Three accidents reported between moving vehicles and parked cars

TRAFFIC REPORT

Three separate traffic collisions involving moving vehicles and parked cars in Leisure World have renewed focus on driver and pedestrian safety in the community.

The first traffic collision was reported on May 14 at 11:51 a.m. A golf cart was traveling northbound on Del Monte in the vicinity of Sunningdale. The Club Car golf cart made a U-turn and collided with a parked Toyota Rav4. The golf cart sustained heavy damage and the driver was transported to a local hospital. The condition of the driver is unknown. The Rav4 sustained only minor damage.

The second traffic collision was reported the same day at 1:27 p.m. on St. Andrews Drive in the vicinity of Glenview Road. A Honda Accord was traveling north on St. Andrews Drive and struck a parked Hyundai Tucson on the left side and rear. The Honda Accord turned over and came to rest on its roof. The driver of the Honda Accord was transported to a local hospital. The condition of the driver is unknown.

In the third collision, which occured May 17 at 8:56 a.m., a Toyota Camry traveling on Church Place struck a parked car, which in turn struck another parked car. There were no injuries.

The Golden Rain Foundation has made steady progress towards enhancing the safety of Leisure World’s roadways. In 2024, the GRF Board approved the installation of speed cushions on El Dorado Drive, Golden Rain Road, St. Andrews Drive and Thunderbird Drive to slow down drivers. Digital speed signs were also installed in targeted locations to remind drivers when they’re exceeding the community’s 25 mile per hour speed limit.

As part of an ongoing traffic safety initiative, the GRF is also upgrading street surveillance cameras throughout Leisure World. Additionally, work is currently in progress to enhance safety at the intersection at Golden Rain Road and St. Andrews Drive by adding protected left turn lanes and a dedicated pedestrian crossing phase.

In general, older adults outlive their ability to drive safely by about 7-10 years, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA). With the exception of teenagers, seniors have the highest crash death rate per mile driven.

Seniors should transition from driving and explore other options such as public transportation, ride share and taxis, volunteer services, family and friends, if they experience:

• Near or close call crashes.

• Unexplained dents and scratches.

• Getting lost, even in familiar locations.

• Trouble moving foot between pedals.

• Difficulty turning to look while backing up or changing lanes.

• Other drivers honking or gesturing at you.

• Family and friends expressing concerns.

• Being stopped by law enforcement.

Individuals who choose to forgo driving can utilize GRF’s on-call bus by calling a ride at 562-472-1367. The bus can transport people anywhere within LW’s walls, and to the small shopping center adjacent to Leisure World.

To learn more about transportation options in Seal Beach, Orange County and more, residents can attend one of GRF’s monthly transportation information sessions, held on the first Thursday of each month in Clubhouse 3, Room 3, from 10-11:30 a.m.

A Toyota Camry collided into a parked truck on May 17 at Church Place.Security Department