The scene of the accident

91 Year Old Driver Who Killed a Person Gets Suspend Sentence

YOKOHAMA - A 91 year old driver killed a pedestrian last year. The accident took place in Chigasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture. The driver ran into a red light then hit four pedestrian, and one of them was killed. The driver, Kumiko Saito, has been sentenced to three years due to the accident. However, her sentence is suspended for five years.

The Yokohoma District Court handed the ruling of Saito for dangerous driving resulting in death. Her driver’s license was taken as well. The court received a report that Saito passed a cognitive function test on December 2017. In March 2018, she renewed her driver’s license.

The accident took place on May 28 at around 10.55 a.m. It is said that Saito drove her car from an auto repair garage. According to a witness, Saito slowed down when approaching a crossing at an intersection, but she didn’t stop and ran through the red light. As a result, she hit four pedestrians who were crossing. The traffic light for the crossing was green, so the pedestrian did not mistakenly cross the street. Out of four pedestrians, one of them was killed and the other three received minor injuries. Saito also had slight injuries.

According to the head of the repair shop, Saito frequently visits the repair shop, as she has been driving the car for decades. Hence, he knew her well. He also stated that she can hear and interact with people normally. On that day, Saito drop by to give souvenirs for the employees at the repair shop, after she went on a trip.

Source: https://japantoday.com/category/crime/91-year-old-driver-who-hit-pedestrians-killing-one-gets-suspended-sentence