An elderly sunbather's quiet day at Daytona Beach turned into a harrowing medical emergency when a pickup truck ran over her head.

According to Daily Mail, a 71-year-old woman from New York sustained head injuries after an 84-year-old driver accidentally ran over her with a Chevrolet Colorado's right rear tire while she was relaxing in a beach chair on Wednesday.

Body camera footage released by the Volusia Sheriff's Department captured the chaotic aftermath as first responders rushed to assist the injured woman. The victim's husband immediately called 911 at 2:43 pm, desperately seeking help for his wife, who remained conscious but was clearly in distress.

Incident unfolds near Silver Beach Avenue ramp

The accident occurred near the Silver Beach Avenue Beach ramp where the victim had been sitting in a beach chair behind a parked vehicle. Authorities explained that the 84-year-old driver from DeLeon Springs made an immediate right turn toward the beach exit, failing to notice the woman in her chair.

Initial investigation revealed no signs of impairment, leading authorities to withhold charges or citations against the elderly driver.

The driver, wearing a purple flannel shirt, maintained she had no prior awareness of the victim's presence. First responders found the woman from New York conscious and speaking, though clearly requiring immediate medical attention. Medical personnel swiftly transported her to Halifax Health Medical Center, where she was treated for non-life-threatening head injuries.

Volusia Sheriff's Department representatives emphasized that while the investigation remains active, these details emerged during the preliminary stages of their inquiry. The incident has sparked renewed discussions about beach driving safety protocols in the area.

Beach driving regulations under scrutiny

Daytona Beach maintains specific regulations regarding beach driving, permitting vehicles on the sand from sunrise to sunset between November 1 and April 30. Speed limits are strictly enforced at 10 miles per hour, with drivers strongly advised against unnecessary cruising along the shoreline. Local ordinances specifically address beachgoer safety, prohibiting individuals from sitting between parked cars while allowing them to position themselves in front of or behind vehicles.

The practice of beach driving remains limited to just four Florida counties, all situated along the state's eastern coast. This longstanding tradition continues to generate debate among local residents and safety advocates. Some community members express concern about the inherent risks of mixing vehicular traffic with beachgoers.

Local resident Pam Vandamme offered perspective on the situation. She believes the focus should be on personal responsibility rather than restricting beach access: "I don't think they should stop beach driving. I think you kind of have to look out for yourself when you're down here."

Future implications for beach safety measures

Volusia County officials maintain detailed safety protocols for beach driving, including comprehensive guidelines for both drivers and pedestrians. The incident has prompted renewed attention to these measures, particularly regarding the positioning of beachgoers relative to parked vehicles. Current regulations attempt to balance recreational access with public safety concerns.

The sheriff's office continues its investigation into the accident, gathering additional evidence and witness statements. While the elderly driver faces no immediate legal consequences, the incident highlights the complexities of maintaining safe beach access for all visitors. Local authorities may review existing guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The combination of elderly drivers, pedestrian safety, and beach accessibility presents unique challenges for county officials and law enforcement. This incident may influence future policy discussions regarding beach driving permits and safety requirements.