Monday, June 29, 2009

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Driver, 86, has license revoked after hitting pedestrian

MELROSE, Mass. -- An elderly woman who hit a pedestrian with her car in Melrose over the weekend has had her license revoked.

Virginia Nelson, 86, of Malden, struck Francis Blomerth, 84, on Main Street Sunday morning.  

Nelson stopped after the crash.

Blomerth was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital with serious injuries.

On Monday, the state revoked Nelson's license, citing "immediate threat."  

No charges have been filed against Nelson.

This is the latest serious accident involving an elderly driver. On June 13, 4-year-old Diya Patel was killed while walking through a Stoughton crosswalk. Police say she was hit by a car driven by an 89-year-old woman.

State Senator Brian Joyce has proposed a bill that would require drivers over the age of 85 to take road tests every five year. Joyce is also calling for eye exams for elderly drivers. The issue is expected to be taken up on Beacon Hill Tuesday.

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