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Oceanside, NY (June 20, 2026) – A 78-year-old woman was critically hurt after being struck by a vehicle along Long Beach Rd at Weidner Ave in Oceanside on Thursday, June 18.
According to reports, the woman was walking through a marked crosswalk shortly before 5 p.m. when a white van stopped at a red light, moved forward, and hit her. Video footage obtained by local media reportedly captured the moment the van advanced into the crosswalk while she was crossing.
Prosecutors said the van was driven by 24-year-old Niall Duignan. During a court appearance on Friday, prosecutors stated that the woman remained hospitalized with a traumatic brain injury and a lacerated liver. She was also intubated, and prosecutors indicated she was not expected to survive.
Court records show prosecutors alleged Duignan had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.21%. He pleaded not guilty to charges of driving while intoxicated and vehicular assault. His attorney stated that Duignan, a certified EMT, remained at the scene and performed CPR on the victim after the collision. The circumstances leading up to the crash continue to be examined as investigators work to gather additional details.
Our thoughts are with the woman and her family during this difficult time.
How Alcohol Impairment Can Affect Driver Awareness
Alcohol can significantly reduce a driver’s ability to recognize hazards and react to changing traffic conditions. Even at relatively low levels, impairment may affect judgment, coordination, depth perception, and reaction time. As blood alcohol concentration increases, the risk of making critical driving errors rises sharply.
Pedestrians are especially vulnerable because drivers may fail to notice crosswalks, traffic signals, or people crossing the street. In many cases, investigators review surveillance footage, witness statements, roadway markings, and vehicle data to better understand how a pedestrian injury occurred. Medical findings may also help clarify the severity of harm caused by the collision.
Crosswalk safety depends on both pedestrians and drivers following traffic laws. Remaining alert, obeying signals, and yielding when required can help reduce the likelihood of serious roadway injuries.
