An 87-year-old man was fatally struck by a delivery van Wednesday afternoon outside a hospital in Brezno, Slovakia, prompting a police examination. The incident highlights the vulnerability of pedestrians in parking areas and near roadways, especially as visibility decreases with the season. Authorities have confirmed the 41-year-old driver passed both breathalyzer and drug tests, but the precise circumstances surrounding the collision remain under review. Police are urging heightened caution from both drivers and pedestrians as they continue to investigate.
An 87-year-old man died Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a delivery van outside a hospital in Brezno, Slovakia, police reported. The incident underscores the dangers pedestrians face near moving vehicles, particularly in parking areas.
„Polícia podrobila 41-ročného vodiča dodávky dychovej skúške na alkohol a tiež orientačnému testu na drogy, ktoré boli s negatívnym výsledkom. Na mieste bol prítomný i znalec z odboru dopravy. Presná príčina nehody, ako aj jej bližšie okolnosti sú predmetom ďalšieho vyšetrovania,“ uviedla polícia.
Police say the 41-year-old driver of the van submitted to a breathalyzer and drug test, both of which came back negative. A traffic expert was also present at the scene. The exact cause of the accident and the surrounding circumstances remain under investigation.
Authorities are urging both drivers and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution. Drivers must be careful and thoroughly observe their surroundings when backing up in parking lots, while pedestrians should be aware of the risks of moving near reversing vehicles.
„Takzvaný slepý uhol pri cúvaní je oblasť za autom a po stranách, ktorú vodič nevidí v spätných zrkadlách. Je to nočná mora vodičov, ktorá vedie k nehodám najmä, ak vozidlo nie je vybavené technológiami ako cúvacie senzory či kamery,“ dodala polícia.
Police explained that the “blind spot” when backing up is the area behind and to the sides of a vehicle that is not visible in the rearview mirrors. This poses a significant hazard to drivers, especially if the vehicle isn’t equipped with technologies like backup sensors or cameras.
