Woman remains in critical condition after head-on crash that killed 2
The woman injured in a head-on collision Monday in Pittsfield Township that killed the two drivers was still in critical condition Wednesday morning.
The 71-year-old Freedom Township woman injured in this crash Monday was still in critical condition Wednesday.
Stierle and 28-year-old Benjamin Alden, of Saline, were both killed in the Monday morning crash on Michigan Avenue near Textile Road. Police said Alden was westbound in a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt when it crossed into the eastbound lane and hit the Montego.
Police originally said Alden was from Ypsilanti Township, but Wednesday said he was a Saline resident Wednesday.
Stierle and Alden were both pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to extricate all three people from the vehicles.
Police are still investigating the crash and have not said what caused Alden’s vehicle to cross the centerline. An update was sent out on the investigation Wednesday morning.
It was the fifth fatal crash in Washtenaw County in July.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
jcj
Wed, Jul 31, 2013 : 8:47 p.m.
I realize there was some confusion, but I will wait for some of those belittling anyone over 65 too post an apology. And call for stricter regulations for those under 65.
jcj
Thu, Aug 1, 2013 : 11:59 a.m.
AA_Johnny I did not intend to presume this young man made an error. I apologize if it came across that way. I was more unhappy with comments about anyone over 65. GoNavy What I was talking about was the call for ANYONE over 65 to be tested beyond anyone under 65. Do I think there might be a need for something more in the way of testing or training for the elderly? Probably. But where do you set the point for that? I am 62 and will put my driving under normal conditions not NASCAR up against ANY 25 year old. Partly because when I am behind the wheel I am not texting, combing my hair, and don't have a dog in my lap.
GoNavy
Thu, Aug 1, 2013 : 1:33 a.m.
@jcj; I'm not sure what you're talking about. Just looking at US Census data from 2009: http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/2012/tables/12s1114.pdf You can see that drivers aged 75+ have the highest rate of fatal automobile accidents per number of drivers in that age group (Table 1114, "Accident rates per number of drivers").
AA_Johnny
Wed, Jul 31, 2013 : 10:22 p.m.
But, then, that presumes that the young driver made an error of some sort (rather than, say, suffering a mechanical failure, or being forced out of his lane by another vehicle)...
GoNavy
Wed, Jul 31, 2013 : 8:32 p.m.
Everytime I read of something like this - a driver who has (somehow) piloted his vehicle outside of the prescribed lanes of travel - my mind returns to the concept of automated, driverless automobiles. I'll take my chances with the automation and the skill of the programmers over your average, everyday human being simply "winging it" at any given moment. Imagine one day being able to get into your car, "set it and forget it," so to speak, and sit back while you enjoy the ride. You can talk on your phone, text your friends, play on your iPad, or listen to talk radio while the car does all of the work. One day.
hometowngirl
Wed, Jul 31, 2013 : 6:13 p.m.
Very sad indeed. My condolences to the family and friends of these people. Far too many fatal car accidents lately for a variety of reasons. We all need to try and keep the roads safer. Family and friends are depending on it.
MoreOutOfLife
Wed, Jul 31, 2013 : 9:11 p.m.
Maybe you're right Linda Peck....It would be nice if that happened. It's incredible how many distracted drivers I see on the roads.... and MANY with YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE CAR!! OMG, it just makes me crazy when I see that.
Linda Peck
Wed, Jul 31, 2013 : 7:28 p.m.
hometowngirl, as I was out driving today around town, I stayed to the speed limit and I had no tailgaters at all. I am wondering if people are beginning to get the message, or this was old folks' day out, me included.
1bigbud
Wed, Jul 31, 2013 : 4:44 p.m.
So Sad ---