SACRAMENTO, CA – Two women lost their lives in separate electric scooter accidents within a week, highlighting the urgent need for increased safety measures. The first tragedy occurred on August 29, when 32-year-old Gio Hira Sosa was fatally struck on Alhambra Boulevard in broad daylight. Just days later, on Wednesday night, 18-year-old Kyle Xian was killed while riding her scooter on Franklin Boulevard. Both incidents have left the Sacramento community in mourning and calling for greater awareness and caution.
Gio Hira Sosa, a first-year psychiatry resident at UC Davis, had recently moved from the East Coast to pursue her passion for mental health and serving underserved communities. Her program director described her as a dedicated and compassionate physician who had already made a significant impact on her patients and colleagues.
The second victim, Kyle Xian, was identified by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office. Her death has intensified calls from local authorities for both drivers and scooter riders to exercise heightened vigilance. Sacramento police are urging everyone to be mindful of their surroundings and to adhere to safety protocols to prevent further tragedies.
The alarming rise in fatal scooter accidents has prompted discussions about the inherent risks associated with these vehicles. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, the likelihood of pedestrian fatalities increases dramatically with the speed of the vehicle involved. For instance, a pedestrian struck by a car traveling at 23 mph has a 10% chance of dying, but that risk jumps to 50% at 42 mph.
Sacramento PD is emphasizing the importance of speed regulation and visibility for both drivers and scooter riders. They remind motorists that they share the road with more vulnerable individuals who may have minimal protection. In both recent cases, the drivers involved remained at the scene, underscoring the shared responsibility in preventing such accidents.
In response to Sosa’s untimely death, the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry has set up a GoFundMe campaign to support her family during this difficult period. The community is rallying together to honor her memory and advocate for safer streets.