I’m surprised this doesn’t happen more often. Very steep hills, perpendicular parking, and folks driving recklessly fast wherever they can to compensate for the stupid layout of a 7 x 7 mile sity that can take over an hour to traverse. I chide myself about 6 times a day as I try, but am unable to release the parking brake until my seatbelt is in place, but then hear my mom say “Most accidents happen within 2 miles of home or work. Always wear your seatbelt.” And I always do. Thanks mom!

The collision occurred about 3:50 p.m. [11//18/2007] when a man driving a Dodge sedan came rushing downhill on Arkansas Street and plowed into the back of a Volvo station wagon, sending it hurtling through the intersection with 17th Street, according to San Francisco Police Lt. Dave Smith.

The people in the Volvo - a woman, a man and two young children - were wearing seat belts, and the younger child, a 2-year-old, was riding in a car seat, said Smith. Also in the Volvo was a black poodle.

“The dog didn’t make it,” said Smith. “And the back of the car was just gone.”

The passengers were taken to San Francisco General Hospital, with injuries that ranged from moderate to critical in severity, though none of them were life-threatening, officials said. (Read More)