Port St. Lucie, FL (June 30, 2026) – A 78-year-old woman died after being knocked down by a vehicle’s open door in a driveway in the 100 block of SE El Sito Court on Sunday, June 28. The wreck happened at approximately 10:47 a.m.
The woman had been standing outside a 2016 Lincoln MKX SUV, between the open driver’s door and the left side of the vehicle. Her 59-year-old son started the SUV from the right front seat, causing it to roll backward and knock her to the ground with the open door.
She was taken to HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital in Fort Pierce, where she was pronounced dead at 11:19 a.m. The son had started the engine by reaching across the center console to operate the brake pedal and start button.
It remains unknown why the vehicle rolled backward. A traffic homicide investigation into the accident is continuing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the woman’s family during this difficult time.
What Causes a Parked Vehicle to Roll Unexpectedly?
A vehicle rolling unexpectedly after being started can happen for several reasons, including the transmission being left in a position other than park or the parking brake not being fully engaged. On flat or gently sloped driveways, even a small amount of unintended movement can be enough to cause harm to someone standing nearby.
Starting a vehicle from an unusual position, such as reaching across the center console, can also make it harder to control pedals and gear settings accurately. This kind of reach can limit visibility and reduce the precision needed to confirm the vehicle is properly secured before the engine starts.
Driveway and parking-area incidents involving moving vehicles are a recognized safety concern, particularly for elderly individuals who may have less time to react and move out of the way. Open doors can also create blind spots, making it harder for a driver to see someone standing close to the vehicle before it begins to move.
