25.11.11.Today News : Elderly Driver Accidents Surge: Marathon Runner and Japanese Baby in Critical Condition

Elderly Driver Accidents Surge: Marathon Runner and Japanese Baby in Critical Condition

📍“Truck on the marathon course” — 20s athlete in coma, Japanese family injured in taxi crash; concerns grow over elderly drivers

An 80-year-old driver who hit a marathon runner during a Chungbuk marathon event told police he “didn’t see the person because he was watching the traffic light.” On the same day in Seoul, a taxi driven by a man in his 70s crossed the center line, injuring a Japanese couple and their 9-month-old baby. The public is calling for stricter license renewal and reexamination policies for elderly drivers.

Accidents involving elderly drivers are occurring one after another.

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🔹 Elderly truck driver hits marathon runner in Chungbuk
According to the Okcheon Police Station on November 11, a 25-year-old runner from Cheongju City Hall’s athletics team suffered critical injuries after being struck by a 1-ton truck driven by an 80-year-old man during a marathon. The driver told police he “failed to see the runner while looking at the traffic light,” which was located about 100 meters ahead of the crash site. He added he had changed lanes “to let another vehicle pass first.”

The course consisted of two lanes — one for general traffic and another restricted for athletes. However, the truck entered the lane adjacent to the restricted zone. The runner, who had just received the baton and was leading the race, was struck after running about 300 meters.

He was rushed to a hospital with severe head injuries and remains in a coma. Police estimate the truck was moving at around 57 km/h and plan to formally charge the driver under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Settlement of Traffic Accidents.

🔹 Japanese baby critically injured in Seoul taxi crash
Meanwhile, in Seoul’s Yongsan District, a taxi driven by a man in his 70s crossed the center line and collided with an oncoming vehicle. A Japanese couple in their 20s sustained fractures, while their 9-month-old daughter lost consciousness and remains in critical condition.

The driver initially claimed the accident was due to “sudden unintended acceleration” but later admitted to pressing the wrong pedal. Police said no signs of alcohol or drug use were found. Investigations are ongoing, and the possibility of an arrest warrant is under review.

🔹 Public calls for stronger measures against elderly driver accidents
The consecutive incidents involving elderly drivers have reignited debate over road safety management. Citizens criticized both the driver and the marathon organizers, arguing that the incident revealed flaws in safety supervision. Many also called for stricter license renewal systems and medical assessments for senior drivers.

Social media reactions include: “Saying you didn’t see because of the signal is not an excuse,” and “Accidents by drivers in their 70s and 80s are becoming too frequent — the renewal age should be lowered.”

One-line summary : Elderly drivers caused back-to-back accidents in Chungbuk and Seoul, leaving a young marathoner and a Japanese baby critically injured.