Mo. Woman Suffers Femur Fracture in Wheelchair Accident

Nov. 12--An elderly woman was injured Friday when a car collided with her motorized wheelchair.

Shortly after 3 p.m., the 70-year-old woman was attempting to cross 22nd Street, near the Family Guidance Center, in her Rascal scooter, said traffic officer Chris McBane. A station wagon, driven by a 40-year-old St. Joseph man, was attempting to turn left onto 22nd from Colhoun Street and "did not see the woman crossing the street," he said.

The collision caused the wheelchair to tip on top of the woman, leaving her with serious leg injuries. According to ambulance scanner traffic, the woman suffered a broken and exposed femur.

The man was ticketed for careless driving by making a left turn when it was not safe to do so, Mr. McBane said.

He said it is legal for motorized wheelchairs to drive in the street and it is important for drivers to be vigilant, especially in the Downtown and Midtown areas, where they are more prevalent.

"Stay within your lane and watch for everyone on the road," he said.

Mr. McBane did not immediately have the names of the man and woman involved.

Kim Norvell can be reached at kim.norvell@newspressnow.com.

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