Blind Woman Hit While Trying to Cross Intersection

A 33-year-old woman was critically injured Monday as she attempted to cross Crown Valley Parkway not far from where a 3-year-old was struck and killed less than two weeks ago, reigniting concern about traffic along the heavily traveled route.

Darcel Briones of Laguna Niguel sustained head and pelvic injuries and two broken legs in the early morning accident. Briones, who is legally blind, was listed in critical condition after she underwent brain surgery at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo, authorities said.

The accident occurred about 8:30 a.m. as Briones, carrying a white cane, attempted to cross the intersection where Alicia Parkway dead-ends into Crown Valley. Friends and witnesses said that Briones, who lives about a half-mile away, was walking to the nearby shopping center when she was hit.

Police said Briones, whose vision is restricted to a few feet, walked across the westbound lanes and stopped in the median. As she attempted to cross the westbound lanes against a green light in a marked crosswalk, motorists pleaded with her to stop, said Laguna Niguel Mayor Patricia C. Bates, who received a police briefing on the accident.

Police said Briones was struck in the intersection by a car driven by John MarcLagourgue, 21, of Laguna Beach. Lagourgue was not cited and an investigation is under way.

State law gives the right of way to blind people carrying white canes, Sheriff’s Lt. Richard J. Olson said. Investigators will attempt to determine whether the driver was in a position to see the cane, Olson said.

The accident was similar to a tragedy on Sept. 27 when a 3-year-old boy was killed after he and his baby-sitter were struck by a passing car as they walked against a green light at the intersection of Nueva Vista and Crown Valley about a mile up the road.

The death of 3-year-old Thomas Burge reignited community concern about speeding motorists on Crown Valley, one of south county’s most heavily traveled roadways. Some residents have dubbed the roadway “the Crown Valley Freeway” and have called on city and county officials to reduce the 50 m.p.h. limit along sections of the six-lane parkway.

“The young man (driver) probably was not speeding, but each and every accident along Crown Valley should be a lesson for the powers that be . . . because something has to be done (about the speed limit) sooner than later,” said Michael Roos, a Laguna Niguel resident who was shopping at a grocery store in the Alpha Beta shopping center after Monday’s accident.

Albert Vanderschams, Briones’ next-door neighbor, speculated that traffic lights contributed to Monday’s accident.

“I’ve walked there many times, and you cannot cross the median without the ‘Don’t Walk’ lights coming on,” said Vanderschams, 64. “Think how much more difficult it would be for someone who can’t see well, or is legally blind for that matter.”

Bates, who launched her political career 10 years ago as a founder of a community group dedicated to reducing the parkway’s speed limits, on Monday called the accident “an unfortunate tragedy.”

Bates said the Sheriff’s Department, which contracts to provide police services for the city of Laguna Niguel, had increased patrols on the thoroughfare.

“We are satisfied that they have increased their numbers,” Bates said. “Speeders are more mindful of their presence.”

Residents of Pointe Niguel Apartments, the complex where Briones lives, expressed shock.

“She’s a very independent person,” said neighbor Jennifer Baker. “She takes a lot of pride in doing things for herself . . . like going to the store and entertaining her friends. It’s so sad.”

Vanderschams said Briones lived alone but received support from her parents who live in San Juan Capistrano.

“She takes good care of herself,” Vanderschams said. “Why did this have to happen?”