Wrong-Way Accident on Long Island Injures Elderly Man

Wrong way accident

EAST MEADOW, NY – According to Newyork.cbslocal.com, a man suffering from dementia is now in critical condition following a wrong-way crash that took place on Long Island on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.

The victim was identified as Burgess Moore, 82, of New Britain, Connecticut. Moore was reported missing prior to the accident. Police report that Moore was driving a Subaru Legacy on Wantagh State Parkway. The victim was driving northbound in the southbound lanes and struck a Toyota Rav4 head-on. The driver of the Rav4 was by a 48-year-old Long Beach man.

Another vehicle, a Saturn Vue, struck the Rav4 and the Subaru. The Saturn was operated by a 20-year-old man from Levittown.

Moore has been diagnosed with dementia, but his driver’s license is still valid. Many people still have driver’s licenses despite medical conditions that make it hazardous for them to be behind the wheel. A person who has dementia, such as a person who has Alzheimer’s disease, will typically have poor perception and judgment.

According to the AAA, people can report to the DMV if they believe that someone has impaired driving abilities as a result of a medical condition. Many elderly people end up having a difficult time driving and begin to have mishaps. When a family member sees this happening, they could initiate driving tests, such as hearing, memory, eye, and road tests. This issue is complicated and can be difficult for families to navigate. The Long Island Alzheimer’s Foundation works with people who are going through major changes such as losing the ability to drive.

Moore sustained injuries to his hip and face. He was rushed to the Nassau University Medical Center. The other two drivers involved also suffered injuries and were treated.