Tragic Driving Lesson Accident in Laguna Beach

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Emergency services respond to a tragic driving lesson accident in Laguna Beach.

News Summary

A Memorial Day driving lesson in South Laguna ended in tragedy when a 64-year-old father died, and his 15-year-old daughter sustained serious injuries after their car crashed down a 40-foot embankment. The incident raised discussions about the risks faced by novice drivers. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, which may involve pedal confusion. The community mourns the family, highlighting the emotional impact of the accident.

Laguna Beach – A tragic accident on Memorial Day has resulted in the death of a 64-year-old father and serious injuries to his 15-year-old daughter during a driving lesson in South Laguna. The incident occurred at the Aliso Creek Shopping Center parking lot around 2:45 p.m. on May 26, 2025, when the vehicle, a Volkswagen convertible, veered off course, crashed through a fence, and plummeted down a 40-foot embankment, ultimately landing upside down on the sidewalk of Coast Highway near Wesley Drive and Montage Resort Drive.

Emergency personnel from the Laguna Beach Police Department and fire services arrived at the crash site at approximately 4:14 p.m. Upon arrival, responding officers found that the daughter had sustained significant injuries and was promptly transported to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, where she remains in stable condition. Unfortunately, her father, James Politoski, was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving the community in mourning.

The police have confirmed that the daughter was a permitted driver at the time of the incident. Preliminary investigations indicate that pedal confusion—mixing up the gas pedal and brake pedal—may have played a critical role in the crash. This confusion is a common issue for novice drivers, especially when maneuvering in tight spaces.

Authorities reported the crash caused major traffic disruptions, halting north and southbound traffic on Coast Highway for approximately two hours while the scene was secured and cleared. Lt. Jesse Schmidt of the Laguna Beach Police Department emphasized that this incident not only affects the family directly involved but resonates deeply with the entire community.

In the wake of the accident, the police have extended their condolences to the Politoski family and all others impacted by this unfortunate event. An extensive investigation is ongoing to confirm details surrounding the crash, aiming to ascertain more about the circumstances that led to such a tragic outcome.

Driving experts note that mistakes such as confusing the accelerator with the brake are common among new drivers. The area where the incident occurred is frequently used for practice driving sessions by the girl, suggesting familiarity with the surroundings, which makes the accident all the more difficult to comprehend for local residents familiar with the family.

This sorrowful event has sparked conversations within Laguna Beach about the challenges young drivers face while learning to operate a vehicle. Andrew Wunderlich, founder of a local driving school, highlighted the importance of instruction focusing on avoiding pedal confusion, a mistake that can lead to dangerous situations.

As the investigation unfolds, the Laguna Beach community continues to rally around the Politoski family, offering support and honoring the memory of a father who tragically lost his life while guiding his daughter through an essential life skill.

This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks in driving education and the profound impact a single moment can have on families and communities alike.