Winnetka woman faces trial over Northfield car crash that left woman dead

A Winnetka woman is facing charges after she allegedly struck and killed an 82-year-old woman in a crosswalk in Northfield earlier this week, authorities said.

On July 22 at 3:30 p.m., Northfield police responded to the 300 block of S. Happ Road for a report of a pedestrian struck by a car, police said in a news release Friday. They said Northfield Fire Department was already on scene and tending to the injured pedestrian, Jeanne Dechovitz, 82, of Northfield.

Dechovitz suffered a laceration to his head and was taken by ambulance to Evanston Hospital, the news release said. Dechovitz died the next day.

Northfield police investigated the crash and found that the 49-year-old driver of a black Mercedes SUV was heading eastbound as she exited the southernmost driveway of the Northfield Village Center at 300 S. Happ Road in Northfield. The release said the driver was looking for oncoming traffic on her left but did not see Dechovitz crossing a private driveway in the crosswalk from her right. The driver struck Dechovitz, causing her to fall and hit her head on the pavement.

Northfield Police Commander Thomas Hanus said the fatal accident could have been avoided if both the driver and Dechovitz had been aware of the accident risk.

“You just have to be aware of your surroundings and watch both sides of the road when turning,” Hanus said. “The driver was looking left and not right, and obviously the pedestrian was coming from there, which caused the problem.”

He also urged pedestrians to look road users in the eye to ensure they are seen.

“Normally that’s a good idea because you never know what the other person is thinking. But in a situation like this, the pedestrian should have the right of way,” said Hanus. “Unfortunately, that didn’t happen here.”

The driver, whose identity was not released by police, was charged with failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and having an expired registration. A hearing is scheduled for Sept. 16 at the Skokie courthouse.

A memorial service for Dechovitz is planned in Wilmette on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26. Further information was not available at the time of publication.

Brian L. Cox is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.

Originally published: July 26, 2024 at 5:14 pm