Elderly Driver Runs Over Woman's Head on Florida Beach But Didn't Realize She Hit Anything

A peaceful afternoon in Daytona Beach took a terrifying turn when an elderly driver ran over a woman's head with her pickup truck, but had no idea she had hit anyone, according to authorities.

The incident unfolded Wednesday afternoon near the Silver Beach Avenue ramp. The 84-year-old driver from DeLeon Springs was exiting her parking spot when she made a right turn toward the beach exit, and rolled over a 71-year-old New York woman who had been lounging in a beach chair, investigators said per the Daytona Beach News-Journal.

The victim miraculously survived with non-life-threatening head injuries. Paramedics transported her to Halifax Health Medical Center, where she was listed in stable condition.

A witness realized what had happened and chased down the driver to inform her of the collision.

She didn't know she had hit anyone, the Volusia Sheriff's Office explained, adding the elderly driver stayed at the scene and "cooperated fully with the investigation."

Incidents like this aren't new to Volusia County beaches, where a long track record of vehicle-pedestrian accidents has fueled debate over whether driving should still be allowed along the shore. Regulations, including a 10 mph speed limit, are in place, but crashes persist.

Last May, a Volusia County Beach Safety officer struck two women with his truck, causing severe injuries. Similar cases have occurred in years past.