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Accident at Blockbuster

I just happened to be attempting to return a video, yesterday, when I noticed the incident at Park Rd, yesterday afternoon, right at the Blockbuster building. Every few years, a car ends up becoming airborn and flys against a window of a business. In this case, the driver seemed to have pressed the accelerator, instead of the break, hitting another vehicle, which, in turn, hit another parked vehicle which jumped the curb and pinned a passerby against the Blockbuster building. I arrived after the injured woman had been brought away, so I have no idea what shape she may be in. I remember a few years back, I believe a heart-attack victim ran a car up over the curb and hit the restaurant "Buns" or one of the many restaurants that have followed. We can only rejoice in the fact that the Burlingame streets don't look like San Francisco's financial district and that more people weren't hurt.

– Written by jenn

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16 responses to “Accident at Blockbuster”

  1. Rosaline

    Here are some articles about the accident:

    San Mateo Daily Journal

    San Mateo County Times

    San Francisco Examiner

  2. fred

    That Blockbuster used to be a fine China and glass shop for a very long time. The wife of the couple that owned it was hit by a car that had careened through the window.

    I think they should remove the drop box in that parking lot. It may relieve congestion and possibly prevent further accidents at that same spot. Or perhaps move it.

  3. Jenn

    Is that right? That would be Rorkes, I loved that store, wish they were still around. I had no idea the owner’s wife was killed that way.

  4. Joan

    It as an elderly lady (80’s) that uses a walker that was part of the cause of the accident. She mistook the gas for the brake and off she went careening into a car across the street that then struck the woman. I think people that use walkers should not be able to drive. It is obvious her reflexes are very slow. As much as the elderly like to drive they must not put other people at risk.

  5. Tee

    My neighbor recently had an accident. She is 91. Totally Deaf.(From Birth)
    She did not hear her motor reving,put the car in reverse, and slamed into a concrete wall. Car was totaled. She has been in the hospital going on 3 weeks. She just got her license renewed less than one year ago. The Firefighters were really angry when they found out.

  6. Tee

    I thought that after that accident in Santa Monica a couple of years ago the DMV was going to crack down on elderly drivers. That man in Santa Monica killed 8 people, and injured over 20.
    I think the DMV should put questionable drivers through what the police but drunk drivers through. A field sobriety test. Understanding directions, balance, and aswering simple questions. They don’t let anybody drive who can not pass that test.

  7. Myeoh

    I think seniors should be tested every year. A lot of people suffering from alzheimers, Parkinson’s, and other conditions are on the road — especially in Burlingame and San Mateo — and these conditions can deteriorate very quickly. I know from experience that it’s hard to tell a loved one they should NOT be driving any more, but then think about all the innocent people who are killed/injured because someone didn’t want to hurt someone else’s feelings.

  8. Jenn

    Years ago, my grandmother got her “pedals confused” (in her 80’s) and drove her car right through a bank automatic teller. Thank goodness it was after hours and nobody was around. We were all very concerned, and even she was reluctant to drive after that.

  9. Jenn

    It should be said that at least this city has a fair number of elderly who walk or ride bikes. They are very fit because of it. My neighborhood is full of people like this, and it sets a wonderful example for the younger ones who are so fixated on cars.

  10. Anonymous

    Near miss at Burlingame Intermediate. Actually more than one.

    At 3:00p today, as all the kids are leaving school on busy Quesada x Davis Dr, a young driver (in a “mom style” vehicle) screeched a “donut” in the intersection, sped back up Quesada where our Crossing Guard was escorting 15-20 kids. Thank goodness for the Guard. I don’t think any of us would want a student volunteer tackling that death battle!

    The driver turned around and proceeded back down Quesada, running the stop sign where parents are waiting for the kids, screeched a right up Davis Dr, and eventually parking behind me.

    Students informed me that he was near the front of the school performing “false starts”.

    I left my car to take down the vehicle/driver description and plate number. At which point, he hurled profanities, pulled another illegal u-turn, and drove away. Kids and parents came forth with names to be witnesses.

    The incident was called in by more than one person, according to Burlingame Police. With hopes for a childs safety, he wasn’t able to pick up the passenger he was waiting for.

  11. Jenn

    Thanks, Jean, for trying to catch a crazy driver in the act. What an idiot.!

  12. Rich Grogan

    Jean
    If you or any of the other parents were able to obtain the license plate of vehicle and are able to provide a detailed description of the driver, you have recourse; you can contact the police and exercise you right to perform a citizen’s arrest. Based upon what I have read there are four Vehicle Code Sections that come to mind:
    1. 23103 CVC reckless driving.
    2. 22350 CVC Unsafe speed for conditions.
    3. 22450 CVC Not stopping at a stop sign.
    4. 23109 CVC Exhibition of speed.
    I you opt to exercise your right of a citizen arrest the police department should have the names, etc. of the individuals, who called in this dangerous driving.

    It is important to realize the police cannot be everywhere at all time, so it is important for, we, the citizens to stand up and get involved in protectting our children and property.

  13. jean

    I contact the police with the license number, vehicle/driver description. An officer had a “talk” with the driver and his parents, and called me twice with feedback. The parents offered to apologize in person, which I declined. No offer of apology from the driver. The driver denied some of the offenses, though I have all the witnesses names.

    Looks like he’s getting a slap on the wrist.

  14. Jenn

    Parents are part of the problem. You should see all the the BMW’s pour out of the parking lots at BHS. It’s truly disgusting. Maybe some parents feel bad about neglecting their kids, so this is meant to be compensation, but it truly creates so many problems, also for their kids who have zero sense of values, etc.

  15. Anonymous

    You’re correct. The vehicle is a beautiful late model, possibly ’04-’05 Volvo with fancy wheels, and some smoked windows. “Provided by the Parents”, I’m told by the officer. It would have been nice if the driver took responsibility, rather than making denials and excuses.

    Unfortunately, I suppose someone has to get hurt before there is a learning for this young man.

  16. Jenn

    Jean, something else I have noticed in Burlingame is the wannabe syndrom. There is a considerable portion of people in this town that wished it could afford/be Hillsborough, but cannot. I think sometimes these people make up for what they consider to be a shortfall, by buying fancy cars and trying to make Burlingame, (which was basically working class only a few decades ago,) into a second Hillsborough. They build opulant houses that are far too large for the little lots. It rubs off on the kids, too. They feel priveledged, yet always want more, more more. After buying, fixing, selling, and moving, over and over again, eventually some of the wannabes actually can afford to move to Hillsborough, barely. It takes its toll, though.

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