SAN DIEGO — Three individuals sustained injuries following a two-vehicle collision in the Morena neighborhood on Friday evening, according to the San Diego Police Department.

Incident Overview

The accident took place around 5:14 p.m. on the 6000 block of Friars Road. A 27-year-old man was driving a 2008 Toyota 4Runner westbound when the collision occurred. At the same time, an 87-year-old man driving a 2017 Infiniti attempted to make a left turn onto Friars Road from Gaines Street. This maneuver resulted in the Infiniti striking the Toyota.

Injuries Sustained

The 87-year-old driver suffered multiple injuries, including fractures to his back, facial injuries, and internal bleeding. His passenger reported pain in the chest, shoulder, and hip. The driver of the Toyota also reported pain in his lower back and nose.

Detailed Injury Report:

• 87-year-old driver (Infiniti)
• Back fractures
• Facial injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Passenger (Infiniti)
• Chest pain
• Shoulder pain
• Hip pain
• 27-year-old driver (Toyota)
• Lower back pain
• Nose pain

Response and Investigation

The San Diego Police Department’s Traffic Division responded promptly to the scene and initiated an investigation. Preliminary reports indicate that alcohol was not a factor in the incident.

Key Facts:

• Location: 6000 block of Friars Road, Morena neighborhood
• Time: Approximately 5:14 p.m.
• Vehicles Involved: 2008 Toyota 4Runner, 2017 Infiniti
• Injured Parties: Three individuals (two from the Infiniti, one from the Toyota)

Community Call to Action

Authorities are seeking assistance from the community. Anyone with information regarding this collision is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Community involvement is crucial in gathering comprehensive details to aid the ongoing investigation.

Traffic Safety in San Diego

This incident underscores the importance of traffic safety, especially involving elderly drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers aged 65 and older face increased risks on the road. In 2020, approximately 7,500 older adults were killed in traffic crashes, and more than 250,000 were treated in emergency departments for crash-related injuries.

Safety Tips for Elderly Drivers:

• Regular Vision and Hearing Checks: Ensure optimal sensory abilities.
• Medication Awareness: Understand side effects that may impair driving.
• Avoid Difficult Driving Conditions: Such as nighttime or bad weather.
• Stay Physically Active: Maintain the strength and flexibility necessary for driving.

Local Community Resources

For elderly drivers in San Diego, several resources are available to enhance driving safety:

• AARP Driver Safety: Offers courses tailored for older drivers.
• San Diego County Aging & Independence Services: Provides various support services for seniors.

Broader Context: Traffic Safety Initiatives

The San Diego Police Department continues to prioritize traffic safety through various initiatives:

• Increased Patrols: Focus on high-incident areas to deter unsafe driving behaviors.
• Community Education Programs: Raise awareness about safe driving practices.
• Collaboration with Local Organizations: Work with groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to reduce impaired driving.

Enhanced Safety Measures

The recent collision also highlights the potential benefits of advanced vehicle safety technologies. Features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Encouraging the adoption of these technologies, particularly in vehicles driven by elderly individuals, can enhance overall road safety.

Encouragement for Witnesses

The authorities emphasize the importance of witness testimonies in reconstructing accident scenarios and determining liability. Community members who witnessed the collision or have any relevant information are urged to step forward.

For further details and updates on the investigation, download The Local News App and stay informed about local news and safety updates in San Diego.

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