In a trend seen throughout the nation, Pittsburgh area residents are living longer than ever. This longevity has lead to the development of many programs to assist the older population in living as independently as possible. Since one of the many ways members of the older generation lose their independence is the loss of driving privileges, transportation programs are especially important.

Sadly, even when an older person is not behind the wheel of a car, that person can still be involved in fatal accidents involving motor vehicles. Loved ones of a 96-year-old Pennsylvania woman are facing that reality now. Earlier this week the woman sustained serious injuries when a van, that had provided her a ride to and from the grocery store, rolled backwards and ran over her after dropping her at her home. At the time of the incident the woman was in the process of unloading the groceries she had just purchased.

Following the incident the woman was taken to UPMC Presbyterian hospital. There, she died as a result of her injuries. According to the medical examiner for Allegheny County, she suffered blunt force trauma to the trunk of her body and her head.

The woman's death appears to just be a tragic accident. Nonetheless, the van will reportedly be looked over by Pennsylvania State Police. Of particular interest is the emergency brake and transmission. Should it be determined that there was something wrong with the vehicle which caused it to roll, a civil lawsuit could be filed against the manufacturer of the vehicle as well as the individuals responsible for the vehicle's maintenance.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Woman dies of injuries after van struck her," Sept. 17, 2012