Two Clearwater women hit by car on U.S. 19 sidewalk

PALM HARBOR — Two Clearwater women were injured Friday while standing on a sidewalk at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Tampa Road when a car veered off the highway and hit them, authorities said.

At about 11:30 a.m., Karen Rose Steinbrecher, 56, and Tomana Monic Swartz, 30, were waiting at a crossing signal at the south end of the intersection, preparing to cross U.S. 19, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Clearwater resident Jeffrey Albert, 17, was driving his 2006 Ford Fusion north on U.S. 19. When traffic ahead of him slowed, Albert didn't slow down in time and veered onto the road's shoulder to avoid hitting cars in front of him, the Highway Patrol said.

The car hit the two women, causing minor injuries, the FHP reported. They were taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa. Albert wasn't injured. Troopers investigating the accident say it was not alcohol-related.

Peter Jamison can be reached at pjamison@tampabay.com or (727) 445-4157.