Car careens into Novato home, narrowly misses scrambling pedestrian

(KRON) -- A pedestrian narrowly avoided being struck by a car that careened off a Novato roadway and into a home on Wednesday, according to the Novato Police Department.

Novato police and fire personnel responded to the crash at 9:50 a.m. in the area of Simmons Lane and San Marin Drive. First responders located a white car up against a residence at 1198 Simmons Lane. Photos from the scene show the vehicle with its airbags deployed and a partially crushed windshield and crumpled roof.

Two men who were inside the vehicle were transported to local hospitals with injuries. The passenger was treated and released, according to police, and the driver remains in the hospital as of Thursday evening. The extent of injuries to the driver is not currently known.

Dramatic Ring camera video of the crash was shared online, showing the fast-moving car sliding sideways out of control and missing by inches a pedestrian who was walking on the sidewalk of Simmons Lane. In the footage that was recorded from a property across the street from the home that was hit, the pedestrian is seen scrambling out of the way of the vehicle just in time.

“We are grateful the pedestrian involved (walking on Simmons Lane), acted quickly to avoid a horrific outcome,” the police department said.

A preliminary investigation indicated that drugs or alcohol were not factors in the crash. A medical emergency appeared to be a possible cause, according to Novato police.

“This is a shocking reminder that traffic collisions can occur in a split second and when out walking, stay aware of your surroundings,” police said.