Bethlehem Police said the same elderly driver was involved in two crashes on Friday. One person died.

BETHLEHEM, N.Y. (WNYT) — Bethlehem Police said an 83-year-old man caused two separate crashes within minutes of each other on Friday – one of them fatal.

The first crash happened at around 12:46 p.m. on Route 9W in the area of Church Road. Police said the elderly driver, who is from West Coxsackie, was driving north on Route 9W and crossed over into the southbound lane and sideswiped another vehicle. No one was hurt in that crash.

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The second crash happened around 12:48 p.m. on Route 9W in the area of Wemple Road. Police said the preliminary investigation determined that the 83-year-old man was driving north, when he again crossed over into the southbound lane. His vehicle struck a Bethlehem Senior Transportation Service vehicle head on.

The driver of the senior transportation vehicle was not hurt, according to police. A passenger in the vehicle, 88-year-old Glenmont resident Jean R. Hipwell, was taken to St. Peter’s Hospital because of chest pain. She later died.

Neither driver was hurt in that crash.

Both crashes remain under investigation.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee recommends that older drivers be behind the wheel only during daylight hours. They should avoid rush hour, take shorter trips and avoid distractions such as eating or using their phone. They should also review medications with a doctor to avoid side effects that could affect driving.

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