Man in Head-On Crash While Driving Electric Wheelchair Hospitalized

Police say the incident was an unfortunate accident due to poor visibility and lighting on the wheelchair.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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San Angelo police responded to a major collision on N. Chadbourne Street where an 81-year-old man operating an electric wheelchair was struck head-on by an oncoming motorist. The wheelchair overturned, resulting in major injuries to the operator, who remains hospitalized. Authorities deemed the event an accident, citing inadequate lighting on the wheelchair and the dimly lit street.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges and risks faced by electric wheelchair users navigating city streets, especially in low-light conditions. It raises questions about infrastructure and safety measures needed to protect vulnerable road users.

The details

According to police, the 81-year-old man was traveling northbound in the inside southbound lane, going against the flow of traffic. Due to poor visibility, an oncoming driver failed to see the wheelchair and collided with it head-on. The wheelchair overturned, causing major injuries to the operator.

  • The incident occurred around 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • Police blocked off N. Chadbourne Street between 17th and 18th streets to conduct a major crash investigation.

The players

San Angelo Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to and investigated the incident.

81-year-old man

The operator of the electric wheelchair who was struck and hospitalized.

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What they’re saying

“No arrests or citations were issued, with investigators deeming the event an unfortunate accident attributed to inadequate lighting on the wheelchair and the dimly lit street.”

— San Angelo Police Department (sanangelolive.com)

What’s next

Authorities noted that while it is legal to operate an electric wheelchair on city roadways, operators must travel with the flow of traffic, not against it, to ensure safety. The incident may prompt discussions about improving lighting and safety measures for electric wheelchair users in San Angelo.

The takeaway

This accident underscores the need for better infrastructure and safety considerations for electric wheelchair users navigating city streets, especially in low-light conditions. It highlights the importance of following traffic laws and using proper lighting to protect vulnerable road users.