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Two boys on bikes struck by car
An 86-year-old woman struck two boys crossing Chicago Boulevard on bicycles Saturday morning. One of the boys was trapped under the vehicle but escaped with minor injuries. Photo by Mickey Alvarado.
By MICKEY ALVARADO
An 86-year-old Juanita Kay Wilson of Tecumseh struck two boys on bicycles with a 2001 Buick LeSabre as they crossed the busy intersection of Occidental and Chicago Blvd., on Saturday morning during a pouring rain.
Wilson was northbound on Occidental, stopped for the red light adjacent to the United Bank and Trust, and turned east on Chicago Blvd. Three boys from Tecumseh were crossing Chicago Blvd. with bicycles at the eastside crosswalk and Wilson failed to yield, striking two of the bikes and trapping one of the boys under her vehicle.
According to a Tecumseh Police Department report, the boy who was not struck by the car said that Wilson continued driving with one of his friends still underneath. He said he pounded on Wilson’s window to get her to stop because she didn’t seem to know she’d hit the two bicycles. The second bike rider was not injured and was able to pull his 13-year-old friend out from under the stopped car.
“They were just there. They rode right in front of me. It was raining and the cars were going every which way,” Wilson said.
Wilson was issued a citation for failing to yield.
Several witnesses confirmed the boys’ story. After the accident, at least three witnesses responded and attended to the injured minor. Two men were seen carrying the injured boy away from the curb.
The boy who was trapped was taken to Herrick Medical Center for minor injuries. The officer who made the report stated the minor who was trapped under the car couldn’t remember anything of the incident. The two bicycles that were struck were too damaged to ride. Wilson was able to drive her car from the scene.
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Two Boys Hit By Car....
“They were just there. They rode right in front of me. It was raining
and the cars were going every which way,” Wilson said.
This statement is completely false!!! I was one of the witnesses on the scene and the accident happened right in front of us. The boys had the white walk signal and they had waited to cross until the light changed. All traffic was stopped at the time and there was absolutely no reason for her to be distracted to the point that she couldn't see three boys riding on the cross walk. They did not ride right in front of her...they were almost to the other side of the road when she continued to turn and hit them!! She didn't even stop once she hit them until the boys pounded on her window!! I cannot believe that they let her drive away from the scene!!
Time Has Expired
Her time of being allowed to drive I believe has expired. If she gets that easily confused or frustrated with that intersection which has lights, its time for her stop driving. Either that, like stated before, maybe there needs to be a mandatory annual testing for those over a certain age. Granted I'm going to want to keep my sense of freedom indepedance as long as I can when (hopefully) I'm that age, but not at the risk of putting others in danger because my senses aren't a sharp as they once were.
WHY
Is it that most of these cases happen with people that should not be driving....... It seems to me that we hear every year that its a "i hit the gas instead of the break" from older drivers.
Perhaps it is about time we have mandatory driving tests for anyone over a cretin age! Or not allow them to drive!I hope the young men are ok and doing well.
Yet another accident at M-50 & Occidental
We drove through this intersection just after it happened, & got concerned with the bikes on the ground. Hopefully the boys will be OK.
Two issues here (1 direct, 1 indirect):
1. People unfit to drive = In Michigan, anyone can submit a request to review a person's physical & mental condition to see if they are still capable of driving. Generally a person's physician initiates this process, but family members & friends can also do the same. As much as that person may be upset by losing their driving privileges, it's better than having that person cause harm that could've been avoided.
2. The M-50 - Occidental intersection = Why are there no left turn arrows for the traffic light? We were happy with the road work that was done a few years ago, but felt they should've upgraded the traffic light while they were at it. Granted an upgraded light would not have prevented this accident, but it seems like every week we read the police blotter, there's at least 1 accident at this intersection.
Our younger daughter & I were riding our bikes in this area a month ago, & almost had a similar situation happen to us. An elderly couple in a newer white Buick SUV driving south on Occidental was stopped at the red light, & began turning right on to M-50 without looking to their right while turning on red. We were at the crosswalk in plain view with the right-of-way, & I began crossing Occidental while this idiot kept creeping forward (fortunately our daughter was not yet crossing). He finally stopped as I banged on the hood of his car, which was pretty easy to do since his front bumper kinda pinned my left leg to my bike. That moron didn't even bother to roll down his window to apologize or acknowledge any responsibility, he just waved sheepishly & then waited for us to finish crossing.
We're fortunate to live in a bike-friendly area, & I appreciate how most motorists give us ample space when on the roads. When on a bike, though, you HAVE to assume that other motorists/cyclists/pedestrians/etc. do not see you, and ALWAYS be on the defensive.
BTW - Coach Night, listing "cretin" instead of "certain" made for a chuckle.
Thanks bkelham
The spelling mistake was an accident that I did not catch, glad it made you chuckle.
Accident on M-50 and Occidental
Why was she able to drive away? I think that after a certain age, seniors should be required to take a road test. She said they pulled out in front of her, yet someone had to stop her because she didn't seem to know she hit him. Hummm.....
Two boys hit by car
The 3 boys involved are my 2 sons and step-son, First of all my wife and I would like to sincerely thank the amazing people who witnessed the accident and stopped in the pouring rain to help support and comfort our 3 boys. Two of them even stood over the boys with umbrellas to help protect them from the rain.
Thankful Mom, Sons and Family!
The incident that happened was so unfortunate. Really it could have been so much worse! I am sorry for the lady and that the boys went through this...but we are just so thankful to God that it wasn't worse! We are also extremely thankful to those of you who helped and stayed around for the boys! They were very shaken. We all went to the hospital and Evan (the one in the pic) along with the other two are fine. No broken bones, only bruises and a story for "what I did on summer vacation". :) It is so comforting to know that people look after your children even when you can't always be there! Again, thanks to the paramedics, police and all! Mom
Please be considerate
I am by no means 'defending' Mrs. Wilson or her reaction. I completely understand and support the calls for her driving priviledges to be revoked. I am just asking for reader consideration in that she is an elderly woman who's husband passed several years ago. If (when) she can no longer drive she loses her independence. It is a hard time in a senior adult's life, but a necessary time. I am very thankful the boys were not hurt worse and their 'independence' was not taken away from them prematurely. I am only asking that the readers here not be mean towards her. It was an unfortunate accident that she will regret now for the remainder of her life.
That is a busy, difficult intersection and I can see where an elderly or distracted driver would have trouble registering all that needs to be considered before turning. A teenager on a cell phone could potentially do the same thing. I would like to have the idea visited of eliminating the right-turn-on-red at that intersection only. Tecumseh is doing a nice job developing that area and created a nice walk path and is encouraging pedestrians in the area. It is also a major route with lots of traffic, safety should be considered.
Should have gotten ticket
I'm sorry, but that women should have gotten a ticket and more. I can not believe they let her drive away from that with only a citation. I don't care what her personal situation is, if the same incident had happened with a teenager, they would not have been able to drive away from that scene. We punish the young but protect the old. Frankly, I don't care if an elderly person gets their "freedom" take away, if it means safers roads for everyone else.
Typical
Had you bothered to read the story itself, she WAS cited .. which means ticketed. The officer determined she was capable of driving home.
As is typical with most on this site, you responded before actually reading my post as well. All I was asking was for consideration and you are obviously incapable. Bash away if you must, it only reveals your type of person.
Really?
Freedom did you really read the article or do you just like to throw out unsubstantiated opinons? Here's what was written, please read it carefully.
“They were just there. They rode right in front of me. It was raining and the cars were going every which way,” Wilson said.
I know that intersection as does everyone else, this is a stop light controlled intersection. Which means there is some control of which way traffic is traveling. This was not a 4-way stop or a figure 8 race track where there may be cars going every which way. This also means that there is a crossing light as well. Which witnesses (which I dont recall you saying you were there) stated that the boys used the crossing light.
I don't think it is bashing someone when they say someones driving needs to be suspended. The older woman was distracted by the rain, the movement of cars so bad that she did not even realize that she hit a human body and that someone had to pound on her window to get her to stop. To me that is an impaired driver. When you are not capable of having all your senses of all your surroundings when driving whether it be age, narcotics or alcohol, your license needs to be suspended until further evaluation.
What the officer did by letting her go with a citation was up to his discretion at that time. I personnally, and I think others may agree with me, may have made her call someone to come and pick her up. Not knowing what frame of mind she may now be in after the accident and knowing what she just had done to cause the accident would have not let her leave driving.
Call me "typical" if you like, but maybe you should consider what it was like for the parents of these boys to hear what happened. I have two yong boys as well and I know how I would be feeling and what would want done. So, why don't you consider what you would do or want if this happened to one of your family members. I think you would be joining the "Typical" club.
Dear Typical
Okay, I'm through. The intellectual elements of this thread are simply astounding.
Between Tecumseh Residents' tirades calling me names and your pretend superiority with 'please read carefully' ... neither of you are smart enough to read what actually was written. I AGREE WITH PULLING HER LICENSE ... is that clear enough? Do you need me to put a space between each letter?
Why are you not hounding the 'contributer' demanding she should have gotten a ticket when, if fact, the story clearly states that she had?
I simply asked for some public decency in not beating up an 89 year old in this thread. Obviously impossible for you anonymous techno bullies. I also, being familiar with that intersection, offered what I thought might be a viable alternative (as is part of a REASONABLE discussion), but again you 'bullies' reign. The photo of a child being carried off the scene, though compelling, has clouded everyones ability to read and think.
I'm glad the boys were not hurt badly - as I stated in my first post. I'm glad thei future is not impacted. This paper's readership is completely incapable of having a discussion ... hence the reason things are getting worse instead of better.
Sorry, one more point
One more point I am compelled to make:
You stated,"I know that intersection as does everyone else, this is a stop light controlled intersection. Which means there is some control of which way traffic is traveling. This was not a 4-way stop or a figure 8 race track where there may be cars going every which way. This also means that there is a crossing light as well."
If you truly knew that intersection, you would be aware that East/West bound traffic has Right, Left and Straight through lanes as options. That make 6 possible directions of travel. Add the Right-on Red from the North (she was using the south) makes 7 possible directions of travel. Then factor in two (2) exits from United Bank & Trust within 200 feet of that same intersection, the McDonald's traffic in & out and the crosswalk - it can be congested.
All I am saying is that an 89-year old's comment about traffic going every which way is an understandable one - ADMITTEDLY IT IS NOT AN EXCUSE - but understandable for someone at the end of their driving time in life.
I've mulled over this thread all night. Everyone is saying the same thing, except I am the only one asking for some human decency towards this woman in not bashing her. That's all. I am not advocating giver her a 'break' or anything. She made a mistake, she has to live with the consequences. I know where she lives and the officer allowing her to go home did not commit another crime in doing so - it is quite close. She will probably lose her driving priviledges and a child was NOT KILLED in the process.
BTW - I read VERY carefully.
She deserves no more
She deserves no more consideration than if the event was caused by a 17 yr old. If you had read the article, you would realize that she had ample time to see the boys and that she simply is nopt fit to drive. Communbity safety has to outweigh her need to drive.
Much like ...
... your ability to type. 'Communbity' that's a new one.
I did read the article, and the responses ... unlike yourself. I stated that I agreed with revoking her license. Then again, you just argue with me for the sake of arguing with me.
Being perfect and all, let's hope you never get old.
I hope the victims families
I hope the victims families seek legal recourse in Civil Court over this mishap. One way or another, she must be taken away from her driving priviliges.
right
Oh yes, let's get the Lawyers involved and bleed every dime from the woman for having an accident. You are a real gem.
So now you'd like to
So now you'd like to prohibit the families right to legal recourse? And this was more than an accident, it was practically a hit and run (while dragging a body under her car). Your inane comments humiliate yourself. It's what's to be expected from you.
If the roles had been reversed and it was a teen that hit an old woman, you'd be calling for jail time! You're a hypocrite.
The bottom line is that this lady, when behind the wheel of car , is a danger to herself and the community.
My FINAL answer
Please, allow me to respond ...
"So now you'd like to prohibit the families right to legal recourse?"
I said no such thing. Please show me where I indicated a desire to step on the family's rights?
"And this was more than an accident, it was practically a hit and run (while dragging a body under her car)."
"practically" a hit & run? A tad dramatic perhaps? Did she leave the scene or did she stop once the youg man brought it to her attention that his friend was still trapped? Maybe you should consider NOT adding information to a story that you only "think" happened.
"Your inane comments humiliate yourself."
I've noticed you using this word 'inane' a lot since you discovered it. Nice word though, makes you appear intelligent but, for the record, I have as much right to my comments as you do yours.
"It's what's to be expected from you."
You do not know me. Frankly, for the most part I have stopped participating in these Herald threads directly as a result of your commentary. Unfornately my arguing with a fool makes me look like one too.
" If the roles had been reversed and it was a teen that hit an old woman, you'd be calling for jail time!"
Again, you do not know me, nor do you know how I think on this matter or what punishment I might call for. One thing for sure, I would be less opinionated on the punishment than you are because I was not there.
"You're a hypocrite."
How can one be a hypocrite when you are guessing as to what I would do? I have done nothing different than my word. Another big word you might want to look up the meaning of before throwing it out to the world.
"The bottom line is that this lady, when behind the wheel of car , is a danger to herself and the community."
Alas, we agree on something. Too bad it took this long to get there and you made yourself look so stupid along the way.
You crack me
You crack me up.
Hitting someone with your vehicle and driving away is hit and run. The fact that it took someone else to stop her doesn't change the fact.
Anyway, thanks for the laugh. Your "inane" rage is very amusing.
If it had been one of his
If it had been one of his children run over by a confused old woman, would the officer have been so nonchalant in allowing the woman to drive herself home? WHAT A JOKE! This woman's license should have been taken away on the spot!!!
There comes a time when the elderly are no longer fit to drive. Yearly tests for elderly drivers would save lives and generate more revenue for the state. SO LET'S STOP LETTING THIS HAPPEN! This woman is a disgusting example of what happens when people refuse to acknowledge their limitations. She could have killed someone, and if she keeps driving, she likely will! Driving is a privelege, not a right.
Now Now
Can we not just all get along!! LOL
Beer anyone?
Maybe Obama could have Freedom and Tecumseh Resident over for a beer!
Cited for failure to yield
The article said Wilson was stopped at a red light. Please tell me how that is a failure to yield. TPD? Every officer working for any small County, Town or City should be mandated to work in a bad inner City before going to a small town. Work Ypsi Township Willow Run, Flint, Detroit, Grand Rapids ETC.......
So glad the kids are OK, but come on TPD. Be Peace Officers, in lieu of Law Enforcement. What ever happened to Police Community Relations???
I'v had to slam my brakes on many times for kids crossing, and illegally riding through traffic.
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