90-Year-Old Woman Dies After Being Hit by Car While Crossing Road in Miaoli at Night

(CNA, by reporter Kuan Jui-ping, Miaoli County, May 19) A collision between a car and a pedestrian occurred last night at the intersection of Provincial Highway 13 and Pingding East 15th Lane in Miaoli City. A 90-year-old woman, surnamed Chiu, was hit by a passenger car while crossing the road alone and was pronounced dead after being sent to the hospital. Police pointed out today that the driver of the car was not under the influence of alcohol, and the cause of the accident is pending clarification. The accident happened at around 10:48 PM on the 18th. The Miaoli County Fire Department received an emergency call for the Dapingding section of Provincial Highway 13 in Miaoli City. When paramedics arrived, they found a pedestrian had been hit by a car, suffering multiple fractures throughout her body and was already in a state of OHCA (Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest). After receiving necessary treatment, she was rushed to Da-Chien Hospital. The 90-year-old victim, Ms. Chiu, was severely injured and was declared dead despite emergency rescue efforts at the hospital. The Miaoli Precinct of the Miaoli County Police Bureau stated today that a 31-year-old man, surnamed Lee, was driving his private car northbound along Provincial Highway 13 when he collided with Ms. Chiu, who was emerging from the lane to cross the road at the entrance of Pingding East 15th Lane. Mr. Lee told officers that it was dark at the time, and he did not see the woman walking on the road at all. By the time he saw her, it was too late to brake. Nearby residents pointed out that the deceased used to live nearby but had recently moved to the Nanshi area and was suspected of having dementia; it is unknown why she was out alone at night. The intersection where the accident occurred has no crosswalk, only a flashing yellow light as a warning, and pedestrians often cross there, causing concern. Police stated that Mr. Lee tested negative for alcohol. The detailed cause of the accident still requires investigation, and the case has been transferred to the prosecutor's office on charges of negligent homicide. Police remind road users, both drivers and pedestrians, to remain vigilant at all times. Drivers should slow down and pay attention to their surroundings when passing through sections where pedestrians are likely to cross, and strictly adhere to traffic rules. They also remind the elderly to wear brightly colored clothing and reflective accessories when going out at dawn, dusk, or night to increase visibility and ensure their own safety as well as the safety of other road users. (Editor: Li Hsi-chang)