HIGHLAND TWP. (WWJ) -- An 83-year-old Hartland Township man has died after a vehicle maintenance accident in the parking lot of an auto parts store in Highland Township over the weekend.
Deputies from the Highland Township Substation responded at around 8 a.m. Saturday to the 3500 block of West Highland Road, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.
Officials said the victim was working on a 1986 Jeep Cherokee while his 59-year-old daughter, a Highland Township resident, sat in the driver’s seat. When instructed to start the Jeep, the vehicle unexpectedly launched forward, striking the man.
Deputies and the Highland Township Fire Department provided emergency medical care at the scene before transporting the victim to McLaren Oakland Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday morning.
“A family tragedy on so many levels” Sheriff Mike Bouchard said, in a statement. “One of the most important things we can do when tragedy occurs, is to look for lessons that will prevent them in the future. Please read the suggestions and join us in keeping this family in your prayers.”
Alcohol, drugs, and speed are not believed to be factors in the crash. Investigators with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit are examining whether unfamiliarity with the Jeep's manual transmission or a mechanical issue contributed to the incident.
Essential Vehicle Maintenance Safety Tips
With the incident in mind, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office advises the following critical safety protocols to prevent future tragedies during vehicle repairs:
- Clear the Area: Ensure clear communication that the vehicle is about to start and confirm no one is in front of, behind, or underneath it.
- Verify Transmission: Confirm an automatic transmission is in "Park" or a manual transmission is in "Neutral" before turning the ignition.
- Set the Parking Brake: Always engage the brake before starting work and before starting the engine.
- Use Wheel Chocks: Place chocks around the tires as an extra safeguard against unexpected movement.
- Know the Controls: Avoid starting a vehicle if you are unfamiliar with its manual transmission, controls, or mechanical condition.
- Never Assume Safety: Stay out of the vehicle’s potential path whenever the engine is being started or repairs are underway.'
“A family tragedy on so many levels” Sheriff Mike Bouchard said.
“A family tragedy on so many levels” Sheriff Mike Bouchard said.
