Last Friday afternoon, a two-vehicle wreck sent four people to the hospital. The crash happened in North Hardee County at E. Broward Street and U.S. 17. According to Fox Four News, two of the victims were from Naples. A 92-year-old driver, Lawrence Barhorst, was at the stop sign on E. Broward Street at the intersection for U.S. 17. He apparently made a left turn in front of a northbound automobile. Two people from each car were injured in the crash.

Four Injured in Hardee County Crash

The two automobiles collided, and the driver of the other car, 34-year-old Brooke Macias of Naples, suffered from serious injuries. Her 14-year-old passenger reportedly suffered from minor injuries. Barhorst and his 83-year-old passenger, Mary Johns, were both seriously injured. According to officials with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) charges are pending in this case.

NHTSA’s Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully Guide

Very little information has been released regarding the investigation of this Hardee County crash. Although charges are pending, there’s no word on what those charges are. Law enforcement officials are likely exploring age of the driver as a potential factor in this crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) “Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully” campaign is aimed at raising awareness about age-related changes and how they impact driving skills in the older adult population. Additionally, they offer a guide that is specifically designed at empowering older drivers who lead very independent lives. Since driving is synonymous with independence for many older Americans, empowerment through education is of the utmost importance.

Empowerment Through Education

The “Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully” guide offers older drivers information on how to recognize symptoms of declining vision, declining physical fitness and decreased attention and reaction times. The guide also offers older drivers great solutions and resources for coping with the effects of aging. The last thing anybody wants to do is put other people in harm’s way. The NHTSA recommends learning about the physical effects of aging and coping strategies to remain a safe driver on U.S. roadways. The team at Weldon & Rothman, PL wishes the injured victims involved in this crash speedy and full recoveries.

Legal Disclaimer: The above guidelines are educational in nature and do not create an attorney/client relationship. It is highly recommended that all Florida accident victims contact an experienced local Florida personal injury attorney to assist them with specific facts and circumstances regarding their motor vehicle accident. If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident in Florida, then feel free to contact Attorney Weldon toll free at (877) 730-5180 or via e-mail atinfo@weldonrothman.com

Richard L. Weldon, II is an experienced Florida personal injury attorney who has obtained the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He is the managing attorney of Weldon & Rothman, PL – a Southwest Florida law firm with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.