Randy Chen, the owner of Little Hunan in San Mateo was minding his restaurant around 10:30 a.m. Thursday morning when he heard what he thought was a heavy piece of machinery outside.
After walking outside to check out the commotion, however, he was greeted by a shocking sight. A Tesla had slammed into the pillar next to his storefront at 120 De Anza Blvd., shattering the glass table the business uses for its takeout orders.
“I’m not sure if the brake wasn’t responsive or if she hit the wrong pedal,” Chen said. “When we went to check in on the driver, she was awake but unresponsive, I think she was in shock.”
Earlier today, SMPD Officers responded to the scene of a solo vehicle collision into a building on De Anza Blvd. Luckily, no one was seriously injured.
— San Mateo Police Department (@SanMateoPD) February 23, 2023
Distracted driving is participating in ANYTHING that diverts attention and focus from driving.
Drive Safe, San Mateo. pic.twitter.com/hfqshjDh27
After further investigation, he realized that the Tesla had hit his Prius parked in front of the business, damaging its front right bumper in the process.
“It got my car and my store,” he said with a chuckle.
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All in all, Chen said he’s happy that the driver of the car was unhurt. He later took his Prius in to the body shop for repairs.
As for Chen himself? He was back at his post at the restaurant preparing for the coming dinner rush.
San Mateo Police Department took to Twitter to raise awareness about the dangers of being distracted while driving.