Mr. Taylor was a computer instructor at Twenty-First Century Academy. The situation received public notice as Mr. Taylor became a symbol of the need for improved pedestrian safety in San Francisco. The incident’s timing focused city and state officials on the issue, since it happened May 22, on the eve of the city’s pedestrian safety summit. Mr. Taylor was featured on the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle and received substantial media attention. His wife, Takako, appeared on television and was quoted in newspapers.

Mr. Taylor was in a coma for three months, then began a waking up process. He became alert and cognitive, although a tracheotomy prevented him from speaking clearly. When he died, an article then appeared in the Chronicle, and featured quotes from Mayor Willie Brown, the board of supervisors president and the principal of Mr. Taylor’s school.