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    • Deadly Crash Save Email Print
    One killed; three injured
    Posted: 2:59 PM May 16, 2008
     Last Updated: 2:59 PM May 16, 2008
    8 comments
    A | A | A

    A Creighton, Nebraska woman was killed and three others were hospitalized following a car crash on Highway 81 near Columbus.

    The Nebraska State Patrol says 71-year-old Carol Morrill of Creighton died when the minivan she was riding in turned into the path of a semi-trailer on Highway 81, about seven miles south of Columbus.

    The 83-year-old driver of the van, Dale Morrill, was taken to an Omaha hospital in critical condition. Two passengers in the van also were injured, with one being flown by medical helicopter to an Omaha hospital. The other was treated at a Columbus hospital.

    The semi driver was not injured.
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    Posted by: Debra Location: Bellevue on May 30, 2008 at 12:29 PM
    I was very sorry to hear about this accident. I grew up on the same town they were from. I didn't know them real well, but I did know them. As for other comments on this accident. things like this can happen to anyone not just the elderly. Accidents are just that accidents, not planned. My prayers go out to the family in this trying time,
    Posted by: Kendra Location: Vancouver, WA on May 19, 2008 at 09:32 PM
    To Richard in Omaha. Imagine one of your loved ones being killed, then add to that three more of them being hospitalized in critical condition. What would you want to hear, even from a stranger? Would you want words of sympathy and support extended to your family,or insults and accusations thrown at your family? I wish you could understand how many people were affected by this and how much they are hurting right now. While you are certainly entitled to your opinion, you should realize that there are times when voicing it is not at all appropriate. As a relative of these people, a nurse, and a human being, I ask you to search your heart and find some compassion for a family experiencing such trauma.
    Posted by: Lori Location: NW omaha on May 19, 2008 at 02:56 PM
    Any "near-miss" accident situation I've been in in the last 4 years has involved either a teen or a soccer mom yakking on a cell phone. I do agree some elderly should be tested annually, but 60 is NOT old! My parents are in their late 60s and I frankly don't see any difference in their driving habits from when I was a kid. Maybe if an elderly person is involved in an accident that is without question their fault, and the result of eyesight or not paying attention, THEN test them every year. Otherwise, if they aren't hitting anything or anyone, or getting tickets for speeding or weaving, etc, then leave them alone.
    Posted by: YourKiddingMe Location: W. Des Moines on May 19, 2008 at 10:15 AM
    First of all, this is a horrible intersection. If you're going to test everyone over 60 every year, who's going to pay for it??? You! Your tax dollars, and increased fees. Age is illrevalant! I'm 38 and have a heart condtion and have to pay attention to my meds, or I should not be on the road. How about the diabetic who's blood sugar drops suddenly...they drive and act drunk. Most pay carefull attention, because they understand it. But it can sneak up on you, and even a long term diabetic who it has NEVER had it happen, can suddenly find themselves in trouble. Are we going to take away theirs' ?? I know the family well, and to use an old term, they come from sturdy stock, and are a very close family. If at ANY time someone felt Dale shouldn't have been driving, they would have done something. This was a horrible accident! If the state patrol had felt he was at fault they would have issued a ticket, they didn't. It was just an accident. Everyone involved has my prayers.
    Posted by: Dean Location: Omaha on May 17, 2008 at 08:46 PM
    Older age or talking on cell phones? Which causes more accidents. Lets throw in kids fighting, fast food, putting on make-up, reading papers. I will take older anyday.
    Posted by: Tonya Location: Bellevue on May 17, 2008 at 01:42 PM
    I don't think age 60 has anything to do with it. My mom is 58 and is in better health than me and is a better drive than me and I'm almost 27! I think that EVERYONE should have a mandatory driving test EVERYTIME they go to renew their licenses, or annually. There are several young people who shouldn't have their license. Heck, I probably wouldn't even pass if I were made to take a driving test. It was always a joke when I was a teen to take your driving test around the lunch hour because the tester is in a rush to get lunch and will pass everyone...and so far, I've found that has been true. I think everyone should have to prove they are capable of operating a vehicle safely, whether its 16 yrs old or 80 yrs old. People (including myself) can develop bad habits quickly which can result in potential accidents. Lets leave age outta this one. (Though I do agree it is a problem a lot of times).
    Posted by: Anonymous on May 16, 2008 at 07:42 PM
    First off, this is tragic, and my heart goes out to the family members. Please don't take any offense to what I'm about to say, I just think that safety of others is imperitive when it comes to operating a motor vehicle. I feel that at the age of 60 or around there, DOT should require that licenses be renewed every year with a mandatory driving test. There are several times that I have almost been in an accident where an elderly person has almost hit me. Not that I don't feel that the elderly should't drive, just do it as a precaution for the safety of others.
    Posted by: Richard Location: Omaha on May 16, 2008 at 04:55 PM
    This is why old people need to stay off the roads. Atleast test these elders every 6mnths afer say 60. Im not trying to be mean but old people when they drive, are bad drivers and either they go to fast or too slow and tend to pull out infront of you!
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