Crossing guard in Pleasanton suffers head injuries after being struck by SUV

PLEASANTON, Calif. - A driver in a white SUV struck a crossing guard in Pleasanton on Thursday, sending the man to the hospital and shutting down a road for several hours. 

Lieutenant Erik Silacci said the accident was reported before 8 a.m. on Vineyard Avenue at Adams Way near Valley View Elementary.

Officers helped the crossing guard and he was taken to the hospital with head injuries, Silacci said. The crossing guard was identified as Robert Upham by fellow employees. 

The driver of the white Ford SUV, a woman in her 20s, stayed on scene and cooperated with police.

Silacci said that alcohol and drugs do not seem to be factors. 

The intersection has a cross-walk and a school crossing sign. The intersection is a two-way stop rather than a four-way stop. 

Investigators say the victim was taken to Eden Medical Center with a head injury. 

"We've been always seeing an issue, especially during school time," said Michael Hanna an area resident. 

The collision was a short distance from Valley View Elementary School, part of the Pleasanton Unified School District. 

"It did look to be a serious accident. We're working with the Pleasanton Police Department to see how we can assist and see how the individual is doing," said Patrick Gannon, Pleasanton USD's director of communications. 

Pleasanton police reminded the public to pay attention while driving. 

"We did have students and staff who witnessed the event, which we understand to be traumatic. We had council workers and staff on site to make sure everyone was supported," said Gannon. 

Some neighbors said speeding is a problem along Vineyeard Avenue, where the speed limit is 25 miles per hour. Some are reluctant to let their children walk to Valley View Elementary, which has between 600 and 700 TK through 5th graders. 

"Tried to with my son, he's in 5th grade. We tried to let him come home, less than a week ago. And now we have to do it again. I have to take him home," Hanna said. 

He said he won't let his son cross the street by himself. "No, no. Until they figure out this stop sign thing." 

Neighbors say they've petitioned the city for a four-way stop here. 

Police did say the driver was driving in the direction of the sun, which could be a factor.