BAKERSFIELD, CA - A local high school student is in a coma, after the California Highway Patrol says a distracted driver hit her along with another student while they were walking in a crosswalk near school.
The accident happened near Foothill high school at Weedpatch Highway and Eucalyptus Drive around 6:40 Thursday morning.
Parents told 17 News this accident was no surprise.
They say many drivers speed down Weedpatch Highway and won't stop at the crosswalk.
"This is an unfortunate incident where two pedestrians were within the law and they were in a crosswalk when they were struck," said Robert Rodriguez, California Highway Patrol.
The CHP says 16-year-old Erin Gutierrez and 17-year-old Gina Fields were taken to Kern Medical Center with major injuries.
Officers say Fields is in critical condition with a lacerated kidney.
The CHP says 26-year-old Esmeralda Sanchez was distracted and looking in her center console when she hit both girls.
"It doesn't appear she was on her cell phone, but again -- it does appear she was inattentive in some way while she was driving her vehicle," said Rodriguez.
Many parents say the crosswalk on Weedpatch Highway is dangerous.
"You see kids waiting here at the crosswalk waiting to cross and drivers just driving by. Sometimes I have to flag them down so they can stop," said concerned parent Amanda Anaya.
Anaya says the crosswalk needs more signs and flashing lights notifying drivers.
"I have to wait until somebody is nice enough to stop. Not only do I have to wait for these drivers that are coming from the 58, but I have to wait for these drivers over here to stop as well," continued Anaya.
The CHP says when driving, it's critical to focus on the road and to eliminate distractions.
"Be extra vigilant -- especially when traveling in all school zones. Put away anything that can cause a distraction to you. Remember it is 25 miles per hour when traveling in a school zone when children are present," said Rodriguez.
The CHP says it's not sure how fast the driver was going.
They say the investigation will need to be completed before determining whether charges will be filed in this case.
Officers say it does not appear alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.
The accident happened near Foothill high school at Weedpatch Highway and Eucalyptus Drive around 6:40 Thursday morning.
Parents told 17 News this accident was no surprise.
They say many drivers speed down Weedpatch Highway and won't stop at the crosswalk.
"This is an unfortunate incident where two pedestrians were within the law and they were in a crosswalk when they were struck," said Robert Rodriguez, California Highway Patrol.
The CHP says 16-year-old Erin Gutierrez and 17-year-old Gina Fields were taken to Kern Medical Center with major injuries.
Officers say Fields is in critical condition with a lacerated kidney.
The CHP says 26-year-old Esmeralda Sanchez was distracted and looking in her center console when she hit both girls.
"It doesn't appear she was on her cell phone, but again -- it does appear she was inattentive in some way while she was driving her vehicle," said Rodriguez.
Many parents say the crosswalk on Weedpatch Highway is dangerous.
"You see kids waiting here at the crosswalk waiting to cross and drivers just driving by. Sometimes I have to flag them down so they can stop," said concerned parent Amanda Anaya.
Anaya says the crosswalk needs more signs and flashing lights notifying drivers.
"I have to wait until somebody is nice enough to stop. Not only do I have to wait for these drivers that are coming from the 58, but I have to wait for these drivers over here to stop as well," continued Anaya.
The CHP says when driving, it's critical to focus on the road and to eliminate distractions.
"Be extra vigilant -- especially when traveling in all school zones. Put away anything that can cause a distraction to you. Remember it is 25 miles per hour when traveling in a school zone when children are present," said Rodriguez.
The CHP says it's not sure how fast the driver was going.
They say the investigation will need to be completed before determining whether charges will be filed in this case.
Officers say it does not appear alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.