INLAND EMPIRE--Mishaps on Riverside County’s streets and highways claimed seven lives during the four-day Christmas holiday.

In one of the most tragic, a Murrieta bicyclist was killed as she searched for a lost dog. Murrieta police said that an RV accidentally backed over Elena Ballon, 54. The driver was not cited. Another bicyclist was killed Sunday night in Hemet.

Another accidents with a deadly outcome occurred In Moreno Valley, Palm Springs, Beaumont and Desert Center. San Bernardino County officials reported two fatalities. Among the victims was 4-year-old Joanna Vernon of Beaumont.

During the Christmas holiday last year, Inland Empire traffic accidents killed eight people. The average over the past 10-years is seven.

Story Date: December 30, 2008