Chevrolet Tahoe pulls out from parking lot and turns left into path of scooter on El Portal Way
December 26, 2025 | Santa Rosa, CA
A tragic incident unfolded in Santa Rosa when a 61-year-old Rohnert Park resident lost his life in a collision between an electric scooter and a vehicle.
What Happened in the Crash?
Eric Johnson, 61, of Rohnert Park, died after a Chevrolet Tahoe turned left from a parking lot and struck his motorized scooter at Santa Rosa Avenue and El Portal Way.
The accident took place shortly after 8 a.m. at the intersection of Santa Rosa Avenue and El Portal Way.
Key details include:
- Victim: Eric Johnson, 61, from Rohnert Park, riding a motorized recreational scooter northbound on Santa Rosa Avenue.
- Vehicle Involved: A Chevrolet Tahoe driven by an unidentified motorist who pulled out of a nearby business parking lot.
- Sequence of the crash: The driver attempted a left turn southbound, leading to a direct hit with the scooter.
- Outcome: Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this fatal crash.
Why Do Scooter-Vehicle Accidents Occur?
Collisions between scooters and larger vehicles often stem from visibility issues, turning maneuvers, and the vulnerability of riders. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, such incidents highlight the risks faced by non-motorized or lightly motorized road users.
Factor |
Description |
Source |
|---|
Visibility Challenges |
Scooter riders can be harder to spot, especially during turns from parking areas. |
Federal Highway Administration |
Turning Errors |
Drivers failing to yield while executing left turns contribute to many crashes. |
CDC Traffic Safety Facts |
Rider Vulnerability |
Scooters offer minimal protection against hits from heavier vehicles like SUVs. |
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
E-Scooter Fatalities (2017-2023) |
Estimated 164 deaths involving e-scooters. |
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
This table summarizes common contributors to these types of accidents, drawing from established safety data.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle crashes with vulnerable road users, thorough investigations are essential. Insights from Newsline's national legal analysts provide clarity on next steps.
“In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney can re-interview important witnesses, analyze any surveillance video from the scene of the crash, and obtain phone and texting records of the liable party,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.
Key takeaways from analyst perspectives:
- Road conditions, signage, and lighting must be examined to identify contributing factors.
- Independent investigations help ensure accountability and support affected families.
- Families may pursue claims for loss of companionship and emotional distress.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, emphasized the emotional toll:
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident. We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital.”
For those affected, speaking with a wrongful death attorney can help navigate legal options and stay informed on investigations.
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Have you experienced a similar accident and need guidance? Contact national legal analyst Candice Bond at Newsline for a free, no-obligation consultation today.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).