Deadly accident in Wantagh sparks concerns about elderly drivers

A fatal accident on Sunrise Highway in Wantagh Tuesday has many area residents concerned about elderly drivers. Karel Velicka, 33, of Staten Island was pronounced dead at the scene after he was involved

News 12 Staff

Jul 26, 2006, 10:34 PM

Updated 6,630 days ago

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A fatal accident on Sunrise Highway in Wantagh Tuesday has many area residents concerned about elderly drivers.
Karel Velicka, 33, of Staten Island was pronounced dead at the scene after he was involved in a head-on collision with 78-year-old George Mason. Police say Mason, of North Merrick, was driving the wrong way down the highway. Officials say 15,000 drivers age 75 and over were involved in accidents statewide in 2004. According to experts, the most common violations among older drivers are yielding the right of way and making improper left turns.
Many say they keep a watchful eye on elderly drivers while they are on the road. New York is not among the 22 states that require senior citizens to retake driving tests when they reach a certain age, but many seniors say they would not be opposed to it.
Related Information: Wrong turn proves deadly in Wantagh crash