Emergency services responded to an urgent call on Daytona Beach after a driver reportedly ran over a woman's head in a pickup truck.
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The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon at around 2:43 pm near the Silver Beach Avenue beach ramp. According to a statement by the Volusia Sheriff's Office, a 71-year-old woman from New York was sitting in a beach chair behind a vehicle.
The statement explains that a Chevrolet Colorado was parked next to her and pulled out of its parking spot. The driver allegedly made an 'immediate right turn' toward the exit but did not see the woman in her chair. The Chevrolet hit the woman with its rear right wheel, which then ran over her head. She miraculously survived with non-life-threatening injuries. Emergency services transported her to Halifax Medical Center, where she's reportedly stable.
According to the Volusia Sheriff's Office, the Chevrolet Colorado driver is an 84-year-old woman from DeLeon Springs. It appears there was no malice in the incident, and she didn't even know she hit anybody until a witness hailed her to stop. Police say the woman was fully cooperative and remained on the beach during the investigation. Per a report by the BBC, officers said the driver showed "no signs of impairment." She has not been charged or cited.
Beach Goers Say Vehicle Accidents Are Common On The Beach
Local news outlet WESH obtained an audio recording of the call the victim's husband made to emergency services. He says, "Hurry up! They ran over her head." When asked about her condition, he replies, "She's talking, but she's not alright."
WESH interviewed several people at the scene. One Daytona Beach resident said, "I don't think they should stop beach driving. I think you kind of have to look out for yourself when you're down here."
According to the BBC, Daytona Beach is one of four Florida beaches where driving is allowed. Vehicles must obey several rules on the sand and are restricted to a 10MPH speed limit. There's also a rule that all beachgoers must follow, prohibiting people from sitting between cars. However, sitting in front or behind vehicles is fine.
