On Friday evening, May 3, 2025, a quiet shopping trip turned tragic in Closter, New Jersey, when an 89-year-old woman accidentally struck and fatally injured a fellow shopper in the Closter Plaza parking lot.
According to police reports, the driver, Julianna Simor of Allendale, was backing out of a handicapped parking space in her 2012 Ford Focus when the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated in reverse, leading to a devastating chain of events.
Simor’s vehicle crossed a travel lane, mounted a curb, and jumped a landscaped island before striking 73-year-old Andrea Miller of Englewood. Miller had been loading groceries into her car near the HomeGoods store when the vehicle hit her, causing critical injuries.
Victim Identified as Andrea Miller of Englewood
Authorities later identified the victim as Andrea Miller, a 73-year-old resident of Englewood. Emergency responders quickly transported Miller to Hackensack University Medical Center. Despite efforts to save her, Miller died from her injuries on Sunday, May 5, just two days after the crash.
Miller’s death has sparked outrage and concern in the local community, as many are questioning how such a tragic incident could occur in what is supposed to be a safe, pedestrian-friendly shopping environment.
Driver Charged with Multiple Summonses
Following an investigation, Closter Police issued multiple summonses to Julianna Simor. These include:
- Improper backing
- Careless driving
- Reckless driving
- Unsafe operation of a motor vehicle
Simor is scheduled to appear in Closter Municipal Court on May 20, 2025. Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional charges will be filed, but the investigation remains active.
Closter Police Captain Vincent Aiello confirmed the circumstances of the crash and the resulting injuries, emphasizing that the department is working closely with local prosecutors to determine next steps in the case.
Growing Concerns Over Elderly Driving Safety
The fatal crash has reignited discussions about senior driving safety in the United States. While many older adults retain safe driving skills well into their later years, others may struggle with declining vision, slower reflexes, and cognitive impairments that can affect decision-making behind the wheel.
Organizations like the AARP and AAA offer resources to help seniors determine when it may be time to consider driving less or to stop altogether. In some states, elderly drivers are required to undergo more frequent license renewals or vision tests after a certain age.
Critics argue that more robust laws are needed nationwide to ensure older drivers can safely navigate public roads and high-traffic areas like parking lots, where accidents involving pedestrians are alarmingly common.
Safety Challenges in Shopping Center Parking Lots
Closter Plaza, like many suburban shopping centers, lacks clearly marked pedestrian zones and is often congested during peak hours. Parking lot designs often prioritize vehicle flow over pedestrian safety, creating conditions ripe for accidents.
Experts in urban planning and public safety recommend several improvements to prevent future tragedies:
- Speed Bumps and Traffic Calming: These reduce the risk of high-speed movement in pedestrian-heavy zones.
- Pedestrian Walkways: Marked walkways can help keep foot traffic separate from vehicle lanes.
- Better Signage and Visibility: Proper signs and lighting ensure that both drivers and pedestrians are aware of their surroundings.
- Senior-Friendly Parking Design: Including clearer access paths and lower-speed zones for areas with high senior patronage.
Community members are now urging Closter Plaza management and town officials to evaluate current safety measures and consider immediate upgrades to protect vulnerable shoppers.
Community Mourning and Response
Andrea Miller was remembered by friends and neighbors as a kind and active member of the Englewood community. Her sudden and tragic death has prompted an outpouring of support from loved ones and local leaders, who are calling for action.
“I shop there all the time,” said one Bergen County resident. “It could have happened to any of us. It’s heartbreaking, and it’s also preventable.”
Community vigils and tributes are being planned in Andrea’s memory, as residents reflect on the importance of public safety and accountability.
Final Thoughts: Preventing the Next Tragedy
This fatal incident serves as a painful reminder that even everyday activities like shopping can turn deadly when safety protocols fail or are ignored.
Whether it’s reinforcing elderly driving assessments, redesigning parking lots for better pedestrian protection, or encouraging awareness among drivers, there are tangible steps communities can take to reduce risks.
Andrea Miller’s life may have been cut short, but her story may lead to long-overdue changes in traffic safety laws and urban design. Public officials, plaza management, and the community at large now face the challenge of ensuring that no one else suffers the same fate.
For more on this developing story, visit Daily Voice’s New Jersey coverage.
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