The father of a 7-year-old Miami girl who was struck and killed by an elderly driver, according to the police, feels that an age restriction on driving could have saved her life.
Before 4 p.m. on Monday, police in Miami allege that a 92-year-old woman’s SUV struck 7-year-old Stephanie Alonso and side swiped her mother as they were making their way toward Navarro Pharmacy, according to WFOR.
“She hit my daughter, and she hit the wall,” Joany Figueredo, Stephanie’s father, stated in a interview. “She got out of the car and acted like nothing happened.”
Stephanie had brain injuries and was sent to the hospital in critical condition. Her father confirmed her death on Friday.
“When I am alone and see a picture of her, I break down and start crying. It’s too hard,” Prior to the passing of his daughter, Figueredo told a news outlet.”
Just over two weeks after her passing, on September 21, Stephanie would have turned eight. Her family’s GoFundMe page described her as a “smart, happy, and loving” small child.
According to reports, the driver claimed authorities that her brakes were broken, however security footage seems to show that she used the accelerator rather than the brake.
According to Miami Police Public Information Officer Mike Vega, “Instead of pressing the brakes, the 92-year-old accelerates, and we can see that the vehicle accelerates and goes right toward them.”
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Figueredo thinks there was a chance to save his daughter’s life. He is advocating for a bill that would prohibit senior citizens from using a vehicle.
“What is happening? Why is a person who is 92 years old driving? There should be an age limit for driving,” he stated.
The 92-year-old was cited for reckless driving, according to police. It’s unknown if she will be charged with any other crimes.
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