Elderly Man, 83, Crashes Car into Joliet KFC, Seriously Injures Woman, 67
An elderly man from Joliet faces serious legal consequences following a recent car crash that injured a woman. Arthur Vidmar, 83, has been charged with multiple counts of aggravated driving under the influence after his vehicle collided with a Honda Pilot, seriously harming the other driver.
Details of the Incident
The accident occurred on a Saturday afternoon at approximately 4 p.m. Vidmar’s 2026 Chevy Colorado pickup truck was in the drive-thru lane of the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant on Larkin Avenue when he left the line. As he exited, he struck the exterior of the building and drove through the landscaping, continuing over the sidewalk and into the street.
According to court documents, Vidmar then proceeded westbound on Larkin Avenue. He miscalculated a turn and collided with the Honda Pilot, which was stopped at a traffic light near Oneida Street, preparing to turn right. The impact pushed the Honda into a fire hydrant, resulting in significant damage.
Injuries Sustained
The 67-year-old female driver of the Honda suffered serious injuries. She sustained a broken pelvis and three broken ribs, necessitating medical attention. At St. Joe’s Hospital, it was determined that Vidmar was intoxicated, with a blood alcohol concentration reportedly over three times the legal limit in Illinois.
Legal Proceedings
Vidmar remains in custody at the Will County Jail, facing four counts of aggravated DUI. Prosecutors emphasized his previous DUI arrest just a month before this incident, which complicates his case. He is not authorized to drive and does not possess any valid driver’s permit.
During his hospital stay, Vidmar admitted to consuming a pint of vodka that day without having eaten. Upon testing, his blood alcohol level was found to be 0.282, which is extremely high and indicative of severe impairment.
Next Steps
Vidmar’s pretrial detention hearing has been delayed and is rescheduled for Monday. His defense attorney, Steven Haney, will represent him during these proceedings. In the meantime, Vidmar remains one of the oldest inmates at the facility.
Summary of Charges
- Defendant: Arthur Vidmar
- Age: 83
- Charges: Four counts of aggravated driving under the influence
- Injured party: 67-year-old woman
- Date of incident: Last Saturday
- Location: Larkin Avenue, Joliet
- Blood alcohol level: 0.282
- Previous DUI arrest: October 14
This incident raises concerns regarding elderly drivers and the potential dangers of impaired driving. The legal process will determine the consequences Vidmar faces for his actions.
