An 83-year-old man died after the car he was driving crashed into a house in Kobe on Wednesday.
According to police, the accident occurred at around 9:35 a.m. in Nada Ward, Fuji TV reported. Witnesses said the car, which suddenly picked up speed, ran through some roadside trees and crashed through the concrete outer wall of the house. No one was home at the time.
The driver was taken to hospital where he died about one hour later, police said.
Police believe the driver may have mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.
© Japan Today
17 Comments
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smithinjapan
Sorry to be insensitive, but at least no one else was hurt. This guy is more proof why elderly people should no have their licenses renewed so easily, if at all.
zurcronium
Lucky some kids were not plowed over and killed by some old great grandpa type who
should not be driving at all. Take away the licenses of these people. They can barely walk
let alone attempt to drive without causing harm.
Vince Black
So lucky no innocent people were harmed. Why on earth did he think he was able to drive?
This time we were lucky and he didn’t murderer anyone.
Jeff Ko
Any and every driver's license should expire at the age of 70
Spitfire
On the subject of elderly drivers....does anyone know what is happening with the old 'elite' who killed the young mother and daughter last Spring in Ikebukuro?
That news seems to have gone quiet recently.....I wonder if the other 'elites' are waiting for him to kick the bucket before prosecuting him.
Kobe White Bar Owner
@smith, well said! Second that.
gokoro
I would be interesting to know the cost of car insurance versus age. That would tell a lot.
Fighto!
Its a definite possibility, and a common error for elderly Japanese for some reason. There is also the possibility it was a suicide. Most suicides are elderly, and he may have considered he had no other means to end his life. In any case, very sad.
Rest in Peace.
Do the hustle
I’ve been a defender of elderly drivers. However, after leaving Japan and comparing statistics with Australia there seems to be many more elderly drivers with cognitive issues causing serious injuries in Japan. My parents are both 80 this year and they are both competent drivers although, they have stopped driving at night.
Japanese might very well have longevity statistics, but they don’t seem to age well.
Alex Einz
should have given up driving at 65.
they are a road hazard, rude and feel entitled
just couple days ago another was going wrong direction ,almost crashed cyclist and tried slash the cyclist when he was confronted.
remove them from road!
oldman_13
Yet another old person that should never have been driving.
Enough political correctness. Ban driving at age 65.
Charlie Sommers
You don't have to be old to have an accident. A friend of my nephew had a stroke while driving and ran off the road into a tree at the age of 19. I myself have reached the age of 78 and still drive competently. I limit my driving to daylight hours and only make necessary trips.
extanker
How about the risk he put so many other people in by getting behind the wheel? What if someone was home in the front yard when he crashed through the wall? What if a group of kids was standing outside the house? Wanting elderly drivers to be safer is not ageism.
No, but as the recurring incidents show, it sure increases the odds.
Strangerland
It's interesting the types of things people think are appropriate to say when they are anonymous.
Disillusioned
So, does that mean you'll be handing in your licence at 65? Or, are you prepared to become a full-time taxi for your parents after retirement? How do you think this will effect the new laws of people working until they are 70? I see this kind of comment regularly. People just don't think before they post.
extanker
If I am unaware that my skills have degraded, I hope an additional test will stop me from risking my life and the lives of others by getting behind the wheel. It has nothing to do with needing to get to a job if I might kill someone trying to get there.