Kids are naturally curious about cars, but that childlike curiosity can unfortunately lead to tragedy. Two children, aged 7 and 4, decided to take their parents sedan for a joyride in Oakland while they were sleeping. Unfortunately, the car lost control and hit a woman who was walking her dog before it crashed into a fence.
It’s difficult to determine who is legally responsible in this case
On Thursday, August 7, at around 9:30 a.m., the two young brothers took the white Toyota owned by their parents and went for a drive, according to NBC Bay Area.
However, moments later, the sedan struck a pedestrian in her 30s near the intersection of 35th and Mangels avenues, which is several blocks away from their home. The vehicle then went onto the curb over a short brick wall and into a fence.
Witnesses said that multiple bystanders rushed to the woman’s aid and performed CPR as paramedics arrived on the scene.
The two children were taken to a hospital and are listed in stable condition. The woman remained in critical condition as of Thursday night. Police say that her dog had run away when the crash occurred and it is unclear whether the animal has been found, per ABC7 Eyewitness News.
Legal analysts are unsure how this case will be handled by law enforcement and the court system. Former prosecutor Steven Clark said this incident is “a one-off” and that “the law doesn’t have an exact remedy for this.” While what the 7-year-old driver did would be consider a crime, his age would make it unlikely that he would be charged.
However, he believes it would be difficult to place criminal charges on the parents as well. “This isn’t like leaving a gun around for a kid,” Clark explained. “This is an automobile that we use every day, and this is the kind of thing that you’re used to just leaving your car keys out.”
