Commuter in Critical Condition After Being Hit by Car

A Spotsylvania commuter was critically injured early yesterday morning when she was struck by a car as she walked to catch the VRE train in Fredericksburg. 

The incident happened around 4:45 a.m. at the intersection of Lafayette Boulevard and Princess Anne Street. The victim was struck by a Nissan Xterra as she was crossing Princess Anne Street on the south side of the intersection. The driver, 65 year-old Spotsylvania Resident Shelia Prevatte, was traveling southbound on Lafayette boulevard and was attempting to turn onto Princess Anne Street, herself on the way to catch a train. 

Police say that Prevatte had a green light, but not an arrow, requiring her to yield to traffic and pedestrians before executing a turn. Police say that Prevatte came to a complete stop, looked for oncoming vehicular traffic and made the turn but neglected to notice the victim crossing the street. The vehicle was traveling at about 10 mph at the point of impact, according to police estimates. Once struck, the victim fell and hit her head on the pavement, causing her most serious injuries. 

"That is her most significant and life threatening injury," said Natatia Bledsoe, public information officer for the Fredericksburg Police Department. "Not the impact from the car, but from her actually hitting the ground."

The intersection is illuminated by a streetlight, and police say that it was operational at the time of the incident. The victim was wearing neutral to dark clothing when she was struck.

The first police officer arrived on the scene at 4:46 a.m. The first fire engine, equipped with lifesaving medical apparatus, arrived at 4:49 a.m. The rescue squad ambulances arrived at 4:52 a.m. 

Prevatte stayed on the scene and cooperated fully with investigators. The victim was transported to Mary Washington Hospital. As of yesterday evening, she was still in critical condition. Her family is aware of her condition, and have held vigil at the hospital awaiting updates on her status. 

Police say that the victim was conscious when first responders arrived, but had lost consciousness by the time she had arrived at the hospital. 

Prevatte was charged with a failure to yield to the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, a misdemeanor traffic charge. If convicted, Prevatte faces a fine between $100 and $500. 

Citing the wishes of the family, Police have declined to identify the victim in the accident.