An 83-year-old woman in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, faces multiple charges after accelerating to 95 mph in a 35 mph zone, resulting in a violent crash involving seven vehicles. The incident, which occurred on January 19 at the intersection of Dietz Road and Battlefield Parkway, left a trail of wreckage but miraculously caused no fatalities.
The Crash Details
Dashcam footage shows the silver Ford Explorer driven by the suspect speeding through a red light, colliding with a white pickup truck and several other cars before flipping over and coming to rest. The vehicles involved include a heavily damaged white pickup, a crumpled Honda CR-V, a front-impacted white Kia, a modified Lexus IS300, a GMC Sierra, and another Kia Sorento. The Explorer itself is considered a total loss.
Pedal Confusion as a Probable Cause
Authorities suspect the driver mistook the gas pedal for the brake. While this type of error is common in low-speed accidents, achieving such extreme speeds suggests either delayed reaction or sustained acceleration over several seconds. The driver did not slow down until impact.
Questions Remain
The incident raises questions about the driver’s reaction time, awareness, and why the Explorer reached such a high velocity without intervention. Investigators will seek to determine if cognitive impairment, mechanical failure, or other factors contributed to the crash. A warrant for her arrest has been issued.
The case highlights the dangers of mispedaling, particularly for older drivers who may experience slower reaction times or cognitive decline. It also underscores the need for clearer vehicle design and driver education.
