The National Transportation Safety Board released a preliminary report this week stating elderly driver Russell Weller’s drive through a Farmers’ Market last summer was an unintentional accident. Among the NTSB’s other findings were: ■ The weather and the design of Weller’s Buick LeSabre did not play a part in the crash. ■ Weller’s medical history, general health and prescription medications did not contribute to the crash. ■ Weller inadvertently accelerated when he intended to hit the brake, and continued to pump the gas as he sped through the market, thinking it was the brake. ■ The effect of Weller’s age and non-prescription drug use on the accident could not be determined. ■ City Hall did not follow local, state or national guidelines in closing down Arizona Avenue for the Farmers’ Market and failed to protect the safety of shoppers. ■ Temporary barriers, like the ones used on the Third Street Promenade, would have eliminated or greatly reduced the number of casualties suffered. ■ The laws governing road closures are unclear and need to be revised. ■ A data-recording “black box,” like the ones used on airplanes, would have helped significantly in the investigation. The NTSB recommended that once standards are developed for car data recorders, they be required in all new light-duty vehicles.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 5, 2004. Read the original PDF.