A car accident that occurred this month in Philadelphia involving a passenger car and a SEPTA bus may have been due to a medical emergency that was suffered by driver of the car. The car ran a red light at the intersection of 11th Street and Vine Street, where it hit a Route 23 bus, which was northbound on 11th.
The bus hit some parked cars and a traffic signal. The police report indicated that 20 of the 30 passengers were sent to area hospitals. The bus driver was also treated at a hospital with what was described as a “substantial injury.” The driver of the vehicle that caused the bus and car accident was sent to the same hospital and the news report indicated that he “may have suffered from a medical condition prior to the crash.”
The police investigation was still ongoing at the time of the news report, and the story did not elaborate on what kind of medical condition may have caused this crash.
This story can serve as a cautionary tale for everyone, to always remain alert to the fact that drivers, more often than we may suspect, have medical emergencies or conditions that cause them to lose control of their vehicles.
This is why, even when you have the right of way, you should double-check that the car or truck in the other lane really is going to stop. This especially applies if you are riding a motorcycle, bicycle or walking as a pedestrian.
If you are struck and killed, having the right of way will prove little consolation.
Source: CBS Philly, “Driver Of Car May Have Suffered Medical Condition Prior To Crash With SEPTA Bus,” April 4, 2014