Driver Hits 11 by Elementary School, 100-Year-Old's License Under Question (VIDEO)
A 100-year-old driver backed his Cadillac onto a sidewalk Wednesday, accidentally hitting 11 people.
Preston Carter was pulling out of a grocery store parking lot when he accidentally backed his car up onto a sidewalk across from an L.A. elementary school. The blue Cadillac continued to roll back despite screams from young children: nine children and two adults were hit.
The accident occurred Wednesday after school. Four of the children were taken to the hospital and placed in critical condition, although their condition was later stabilized. All of the injured victims are now expected to survive.
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Alma Solache, 24, was nearby with her children when the accident occurred. She told the Associated Press that Carter "was not paying attention" and that it was two or three seconds before the car came to a stop. Carter blamed a brake problem for not stopping sooner.
"My brakes failed. It was out of control," he told KCAL-TV.
Police are considering the incident an accident and have not arrested Carter. Although the driver, who will turn 101 on Sept. 5, had a valid license, police still believe that his age may have been a factor.
"I think it was a miscalculation on his part. The gentleman is elderly," police Capt. George Rodriguez told AP." Obviously he is going to have some impairment on his decision making."
Carter has apologized for the incident, stating that he sincerely regrets that children were involved in the incident.
"You know I'm sorry about that," he told the local television station. "I wouldn't do that for nothing on earth. My sympathies for them."
The California's Department of Motor Vehicles requires drivers over the age of 70 to renew expired licenses in person. Older drivers may also be asked to take a supplemental driving test if they fail the vision test or if their driving ability has come under question.
