Upper Allen Twp, PA (March 2, 2026) – In an updated report, a 59-year-old woman is facing charges after police said she caused two crashes in December and struck a pedestrian who attempted to help her. According to authorities, the incidents happened in Upper Allen Township and unfolded within a short period of time.
Police said Nancy Schaeffer, of Mechanicsburg, first crashed her vehicle. After the initial accident, a pedestrian approached to assist her. Investigators allege she then struck the person and continued driving before crashing again.
Court documents state Schaeffer’s blood-alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit at the time. She was charged with aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI, driving under the influence, accidents involving death or personal injury, and careless driving.
She was arraigned on Thursday and later released on her own recognizance. Details about the pedestrian’s condition have not been publicly disclosed.
The case remains under investigation by authorities. We are thinking of those injured as they receive medical care.
How Alcohol Impairment Can Contribute to Back-to-Back Crashes
Alcohol can significantly affect a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and coordination. Even small amounts may reduce a person’s ability to respond quickly to unexpected situations on the road. When blood-alcohol levels rise well above the legal limit, the risk of poor decision-making increases sharply.
In some cases, impaired drivers may struggle to assess damage after a crash or fail to remain at the scene. Confusion and slowed thinking can lead to additional collisions, especially if the driver continues operating the vehicle.
Pedestrians who approach crash scenes to offer help may also face danger. Traffic conditions, limited visibility, and impaired driving behavior can create unpredictable risks. For this reason, many safety experts advise people to stay alert and position themselves away from moving vehicles when assisting after an accident.
