UPDATE: An 87-year-old man has been sentenced after a left turn led to a pedestrian being hospitalized in a busy intersection incident in Orange, New South Wales. Kevin John Peterson pleaded guilty to negligent driving causing grievous bodily harm, marking the end of his driving days.
The incident occurred on July 11, 2025, at approximately 12:10 PM. Peterson was driving a Ford EcoSport west on Summer Street when he stopped at a red light, intending to turn left onto Sale Street. At the same time, a female pedestrian was crossing with a witness at the intersection’s southeastern corner. As the light turned green, Peterson turned left, failing to notice the pedestrian and her companion, resulting in a collision that knocked the woman onto the road.
An off-duty NSW Fire and Rescue officer witnessed the incident and quickly moved the victim to safety, providing first aid until emergency services arrived. The victim was taken to Orange Hospital, where she was diagnosed with a broken ankle that required corrective surgery, including the insertion of wires and screws.
Peterson, who was not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, initially believed he had a green arrow for the turn, but police later confirmed that while he had a green light, there was no arrow. During court proceedings on November 13, 2025, Peterson’s attorney, Julie Webb, stated that his doctor had deemed him unfit to drive, leading him to voluntarily surrender his license.
The court learned that Peterson had held a driver’s license since 1974 with only two prior speeding offences. Magistrate Gary Wilson noted the considerable driving experience Peterson had and his otherwise clean record, expressing sympathy for the victim’s significant injury.
Peterson was fined $500 and disqualified from obtaining a driver’s license for one year, although he no longer holds one. The police prosecutor, Sergeant Beau Riley, indicated that they had been attempting to follow up with the victim regarding her injuries but had lost contact.
This case highlights the serious consequences of negligent driving and the impact it can have on victims and their families. As pedestrian safety remains a critical issue in urban areas, this incident serves as a reminder for all drivers to remain vigilant, especially in busy intersections.
Residents of Orange are left to reflect on this unfortunate event and its implications for road safety. The community is urged to discuss pedestrian awareness and promote safer driving practices to prevent such incidents in the future.
