Pacific Grove High School student hit by car on Sunset Drive

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION) Sunset Drive is flooded with students once the final bell rings at Pacific Grove High School. 

Students said the same was true, Friday morning, when a classmate was hit by a car while crossing the road near Sunset Drive and 19th Street.  “It was just crazy because it actually happened to someone. That could've been me,” said student, Owen Meade. 

Police said the student's injuries were serious. "There was one vehicle involved and the driver was at the scene,” said Commander Rory Lakind with the Pacific Grove Police Department. 

An ambulance drove the victim to Natividad Hospital in Salinas. 

Students said this is not the first time the area has become dangerous for pedestrians. “My math teacher said that, through the years he has taught here, two kids have been hit before and one teacher died,” said student, Bogdan Grotz.

Pacific Grove High School installed multiple signs and lights to warn drivers of walking students. The school’s principal, Matthew Bell, said staff are now looking into further precautionary measures. “I sent notes to our parents to please drive safely, but that's only our parents that are getting that message. Not the larger community,” said Bell.

Pacific Grove Unified School District is warning drivers to be cautious near the school zone, especially in the morning. Staff said the rising sun can block drivers’ view of the many students that take the route to school everyday. “Please be careful when you're driving car. If you're a pedestrian, just make sure it's clear and your safe. Keep yourself safe for the holidays,” said Bell.