Police officials noted that the grandmother’s quick actions prevented a potentially fatal outcome. Family members confirmed she instinctively pushed the young girl out of the car’s path moments before impact.
The grandmother was transported to a local hospital with major injuries, though doctors expect a full recovery. The granddaughter, who suffered a broken clavicle, is recovering at home.
The crash has intensified long-standing frustrations among area parents regarding unsafe conditions on Ashlan Avenue, particularly during student drop-off and pickup times.
Community members reported years of unsuccessful attempts to secure safety installations, such as dedicated crosswalks or flashing lights, similar to those near other Clovis schools. One parent stated that they had been told the absence of curbs made installing a traditional crosswalk difficult. Parents argue that the city could still implement a crossing area through median modifications.
Without a designated crossing, families often cross mid-block instead of walking a quarter-mile to the DeWolf intersection, which contributes to the congestion and risk.
Clovis Police data reveals that 21 crashes have occurred on Ashlan Avenue between DeWolf and Leonard since January 2023. Fifteen of those crashes took place at the nearby intersection of Ashlan and Leonard.
The City of Clovis issued a statement acknowledging the importance of student safety and confirmed that staff members will review existing safety measures around Reagan Elementary to prevent future vehicle-pedestrian accidents.
Clovis Unified School District also recognized the heavy traffic congestion before and after school and reminded parents to adhere to all traffic laws. Parents maintain that the crash statistics highlight an urgent need for infrastructure changes to ensure safety for all students and families.