(Feb. 12, 2018) — The Florida Highway Patrol reported that Mr. Roney died from his injuries on Friday, Feb. 9.
(Feb. 7, 2018) — A 99-year-old man driving the wrong way on a Florida highway crashed head-on into a truck, killing the two teens inside. The crash occurred Tuesday night, just before 7 p.m., near Fort Pierce, Florida.
Walter Roney of Michigan was driving his 1986 Mirage RV westbound in the eastbound lanes of State Road 70 when he crashed into a 2013 Chevy Silverado. Best friends Britney Poindexter and Santia Feketa were killed instantly by the 99-year-old RVer going the wrong way in traffic.
“They were having electrical issues with the RV itself, and the inside interior lights were not working at the time,” Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Ray Stuhr said. “We believe the headlights were not functional at the time of the crash, as well. They were on the way to Port Charlotte to have that issue addressed.”
Roney and his passenger, 75-year-old Carolyn Bruns, were rushed to Lawnwood Medical Center. Roney was last reported in critical condition while his friend was in serious condition. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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##RVT832
The cause of the crash remains under investigation. Really? How about driving on the wrong side of the road? How about using bad judgement and driving after dark with electrical problems that possibly caused them to no have headlights?
I am a senior citizen, I own an RV and have since 1997. With the increasing popularity of RVs, I am beginning to believe there ought to be a special driving license type for RVers. These are not just big cars, and they frequently have a towed behind them making the rig even longer. Maybe not a CDL, but a new class, an RVL?
I agree all states should pass a law requiring RV drivers to have a special license. I have a CDL and RV’s are included. In the interest of safety all RV operators should be licensed. All weight and age groups.
I am sure many of us have seen people driving RV’s that should not be. A license might help them realize the importance of safe operation.
There comes a time when you really should park it. Reflexes and good reaction times don’t last forever. Everyone really needs to seriously reevaluate their abilities as time goes on and discuss with their health professionals whether or not they should find a place they love and hang up the keys before they are involved in a tragedy.
I think we’ve all been in campgrounds when someone pulls in and they can hardly get out of the vehicle, can only walk with a cane or need help to navigate the stairs. And we’re driving on the same highways as these people. Not only is their reaction time and ability to react to a situation impaired, they no longer have the strength to steer or brake to avoid an accident. This comment has nothing to do with disabilities but has everything to do with abilities.
I live here on the Treasure Coast where this accident happened. Honestly, I am at a complete loss of words to describe my feelings and thoughts related to the elderly couple and the young girls.