Here’s how police say driver ended up on roof in The Arroyos

(SPD photo)

So how DID that car’s driver end up on a rooftop in The Arroyos just before 3:30 am today? We missed it in real time – it was a busy late-night – but SPD Blotter has just published followup information on the incident in the 10800 block of Arroyo Beach Place SW [vicinity map]. They say the 85-year-old Kirkland woman apparently “mistakenly accelerated forward from her parking stall, causing the vehicle to go over a ledge (and land) on top of an unoccupied parked car.” She wasn’t hurt but was taken to a hospital to be checked out – once SFD crews got her out.

KellyM November 22, 2024 (12:31 pm)

Whew, that whole picture makes me thankful my Dad has given up driving at 91. That could have been him, but maybe not at 3:30 AM so far from home.

Rhonda November 22, 2024 (3:29 pm)

This could’ve happened to any driver of any age.
- Beto November 22, 2024 (4:40 pm)
  
  The risk increases with age.

momos mom November 22, 2024 (12:41 pm)

If you are familiar with this street you can understand how the driver was able to do this maneuver. The garage top is only like 3 to 4″ higher than the road and the neighbors driveway.I am glad the 85 yo driver is OK and boy does she have a story to tell her family and friends!

Pete November 22, 2024 (3:22 pm)

“How I lost my license”

Rhonda November 22, 2024 (12:43 pm)

Oof…

jm November 22, 2024 (1:18 pm)

Thanks for the information. I was wondering what the sirens were all about last night – they woke me up at 3:42 am and again at 3: 54 am. Glad she wasn’t badly hurt. But what was she doing out at that ungodly hour?

Blbl November 22, 2024 (8:08 pm)

Anything she wants. Luckily we don’t have a curfew (yet).

Steph November 22, 2024 (3:02 pm)

Well I almost went over the hill a bit north of there when I was trying to see orcas last year. Really easy to do and very scary. I just stay away now and watch the orca videos. I’m glad she’s ok. There should be some barriers

All the more reason WA needs retesting regularly November 22, 2024 (3:47 pm)

Either every 5 years or with every license renewal.

DD November 22, 2024 (5:30 pm)

Maybe the driver’s age should have been left out of this summary. I have witnessed plenty of drivers 20-60 whose licenses should be revoked …..Not saying those of us who are “maturing” shouldn’t be cognizant of our limitations…but please don’t make assumptions without knowing “the rest of the story”.

My two cents November 22, 2024 (8:44 pm)

@DD … what if the age of the driver was 18? Should that age be reported?
- WSB November 22, 2024 (9:22 pm)
  
  Police and fire generally report age in most if not all incidents, regardless of whether the age falls to one extreme (juvenile or elder, for example).
  - anonyme November 25, 2024 (1:46 pm)
    
    I just went back through all the accident reports for the last few weeks, and this is the only one where age was reported.

Lauren November 22, 2024 (9:52 pm)

Look ya, I’m sorry but age DOES impact driving ability, for many reasons. I agree that retesting should be a requirement every year. It’s too too easy to seriously harm oneself or others.

Top Gear November 22, 2024 (11:11 pm)

I agree. Test young drivers every year since they cause the most accidents.
- Bbron November 23, 2024 (6:02 am)
  
  yup, every driver should be tested every year 👍 would make streets a lot safer.
  - Barton November 23, 2024 (6:05 pm)
    
    Test senior drivers once every 5 years and drivers under age 25 every 6 months.
    - Hunk November 23, 2024 (9:05 pm)
      
      Barton – why? A young person capable of passing the test once may be reckless when not in an exam setting, but there’s virtually no likelihood of a sudden decline in capacity. Quite different from a senior. Sounds like you just want to haze young drivers.
    - Bbron November 23, 2024 (9:52 pm)
      
      nah, each year for everyone. drivers no matter what age have been atrocious.