A beloved mother and grandmother, 92-year-old Virginia Fisher, lost her life after being hit by a car while standing on the sidewalk in St. George, Utah. Her adult son, Darin Fisher, suffered serious injuries, including a broken neck and a stapled scalp wound.
The accident occurred at the busy intersection of Mall Drive and Red Cliffs Drive — the result of a so-called courtesy trap. Police explained that a driver turning left was waved through by another vehicle but failed to check all lanes of traffic, leading to a devastating T-bone collision. One of the cars then veered off the road, hitting the victims as they stood outside a Wells Fargo Bank.
Virginia, remembered as a joyful “Disneyland grandma,” passed away days after the crash due to massive internal injuries. Her son, who had cared for her full-time, now faces long-term recovery and possible displacement.
This heartbreaking story underscores a painful truth: even sidewalks aren’t always safe when drivers neglect the basics of defensive driving.
What Is a Courtesy Trap – And Why Is It So Dangerous?
A courtesy trap occurs when one well-meaning driver waves another through an intersection or turn without visibility into all lanes of traffic. While intended to be helpful, this act can obscure other approaching vehicles and create a false sense of safety. These traps are especially dangerous at multi-lane intersections, where even a single moment of inattention can result in catastrophic injury or death.
Public awareness campaigns and better road signage can help reduce the risk of courtesy traps. However, it’s up to individual drivers to remain vigilant and avoid assuming that it’s safe to proceed just because someone waved them through.
Designing Safer Intersections to Prevent Tragedies
Many intersections – especially in fast-growing cities like St. George – are not adequately designed to accommodate today’s traffic volumes and pedestrian activity.
Lack of protected left-turn signals, poor lane visibility, and insufficient signage can all contribute to dangerous situations like courtesy traps.
Traffic engineers and local officials must consider reconfiguring dangerous intersections to include designated turning lanes, better lighting, and pedestrian barriers that offer an added layer of protection for those on foot. Proactive infrastructure improvements can help save lives before tragedy strikes.
Contact the Wrongful Death Lawyers at Parker & McConkie Today
At Parker & McConkie
Every driver has a duty to slow down, check every lane, and respect pedestrians. Anything less is unacceptable.
For more information, please contact an experienced wrongful death lawyer at Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have 5 convenient locations in Utah, including Midvale, Salt Lake City, Ogden & Provo, UT. Clients can also visit our offices in Idaho Falls, ID & Rock Springs, WY.
We proudly serve Weber County, Utah County, Salt Lake County in Utah, Bonneville County in Idaho, Sweetwater County in Wyoming, and their surrounding areas:
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Salt Lake City Office
466 S. 500 E., Suite 100,
Salt Lake City, UT 84102
(801) 851-1202
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Midvale Office
7090 Union Park Ave, #160,
Midvale, UT 84047
(801) 845-0440
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Ogden Office
2510 S Washington Blvd, Suite 160,
Ogden, UT 84401
(385) 402-8187
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Provo Office
37 E Center St, Suite 300,
Provo, UT 84606
(801) 876-4107
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Rock Springs Office
531 N Front St,
Rock Springs, WY 82901
(307) 205-7400
Hours: 24/7
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers – Idaho Falls Office
2235 East 25th St. Suite #280,
Idaho Falls, ID 83404
(208) 418-0633
Hours: 24/7
