Early January Crash Knocked Down, Critically Injured Seveal Bicyclists On A1A In Gulf Stream.
BY: ANDREW COLTON | Editor and Publisher
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2024 MetroDesk Media, LLC) [EXCLUSIVE] — The woman who crashed into a pack of bicyclists in the area of 2401 North Ocean Boulevard on January 4th suffered an apparent epileptic seizure, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report obtained by BocaNewsNow.com and news partner South Florida’s First News on NewsRadio 610 WIOD.
According to the report, Betty Ann Ruiz of Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach was driving southbound on A1A around 7:05 a.m. when she blacked out, swerving into a pack of bicyclists heading northbound. Seven cyclists were hit. FHP says they were all wearing helmets. Two were immediately transported to Delray Medical Center in critical condition. Several others also required medical attention.
The report, which was requested the day of the incident but not released by FHP until more than a month later, indicates that Ms. Ruiz “failed to keep in proper lane” but suggests no charges were filed. The Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts has no record of a current violation against Ms. Ruiz. Prosecutors traditionally do not pursue cases against motorists suffering legitimate medical problems that lead to a crash. That does not prevent victims from pursuing civil litigation.
Ms. Ruiz, according to a citation issued several years ago, is now 77 years old. She has no criminal or notable civil history in the Palm Beach County court system. She received a citation for “following too closely” in 2015. The case was dismissed.
The following is the official narrative provided by Florida Highway Patrol. V1 is Ms. Ruiz in her 2020 Kia Soul. The non-motorists are bicyclists.
“Vehicle 1 (V01) was traveling southbound on State Road A1A (North Ocean Avenue) in the left lane, just south of Golfview Road. Non-motorist 1 (NM1) through Non-motorist 9 (NM9) were traveling northbound on State Road A1A in the right lane, just south of Golfview Road..V01 then traveled into the northbound lane where V01 collided with the group of Non-motorist. After the collision, V01 continued into the northbound right shoulder where the front end of V01 collided with a speed sign, before coming to final rest facing south. NM1-NM9 came to final rest in the northbound lanes, southbound lanes and in the right unpaved shoulder.”
Ms. Ruiz was also treated for injuries following the crash.
Listen to South Florida’s First News with Andrew Colton weekdays from 6-10 a.m. on NewsRadio 610 WIOD Miami/Fort Lauderdale. Streaming live worldwide in the iHeart Radio App. Simulcast on 105.9HD2.
4 responses to “Woman Who Crashed Into Bicyclists Near Boca Raton Suffered Seizure”
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Thank you for the follow-up and summary of the FHP report.
It is too bad we don’t have a public-safety focused legal system that would request a minimum six month drivers license suspension with court supervised (within HIPAA) medical investigation and treatment for a seizure disorder. If the seizure disorder stops or is medically treatable and acceptable to court, patient, and FLHSMV, then the suspension is allowed to expire. If the seizure disorder continues and is not medically treatable/acceptable (by Drs, pharma, patient, court and FLHSMV) then license is revoked as continuing to drive would be a threat to public safety.
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Nobody knows when a siezure might hit them.
Does this lady have a record of frequent siezures or has she never had one before.
Perhaps a person with 2 or more siezures within a year should be prohibited from driving- but we aren’t qualified to make laws because we don’t have the facts necessary to do so.
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I’ve seen these bike riders. They take up the entire lane on A1A. I was under the impression the road is for automobiles. It’s really tough to try and pass them in an oncoming lane, especially when they are in a large group. It’s not working. If you keep riding in the middle of the street you’re going to get hit.
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Nobody knows when a siezure might hit them.
Does this lady have a record of frequent siezures or has she never had one before.
Perhaps a person with 2 or more siezures within a year should be prohibited from driving- but we aren’t qualified to make laws because we don’t have the facts necessary to do so.
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Thank you for the follow-up and summary of the FHP report.
It is too bad we don’t have a public-safety focused legal system that would request a minimum six month drivers license suspension with court supervised (within HIPAA) medical investigation and treatment for a seizure disorder. If the seizure disorder stops or is medically treatable and acceptable to court, patient, and FLHSMV, then the suspension is allowed to expire. If the seizure disorder continues and is not medically treatable/acceptable (by Drs, pharma, patient, court and FLHSMV) then license is revoked as continuing to drive would be a threat to public safety.
Nobody knows when a siezure might hit them.
Does this lady have a record of frequent siezures or has she never had one before.
Perhaps a person with 2 or more siezures within a year should be prohibited from driving- but we aren’t qualified to make laws because we don’t have the facts necessary to do so.
I’ve seen these bike riders. They take up the entire lane on A1A. I was under the impression the road is for automobiles. It’s really tough to try and pass them in an oncoming lane, especially when they are in a large group. It’s not working. If you keep riding in the middle of the street you’re going to get hit.
Nobody knows when a siezure might hit them.
Does this lady have a record of frequent siezures or has she never had one before.
Perhaps a person with 2 or more siezures within a year should be prohibited from driving- but we aren’t qualified to make laws because we don’t have the facts necessary to do so.
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