Police: Bedford Man Strikes Father, Brother With Car By Accident

BEDFORD, NH — A father and his 8-year-old son were injured Wednesday morning after being struck by a vehicle driven by their own family member. Police say that Trae Sealey, 18, was backing out of his driveway around 7:15 a.m. when he accidentally struck two pedestrians walking behind him. The pedestrians, his own father and younger brother, were seriously injured, according to police.

The accident occurred on Back River Road in Bedford. Police say that Sealey's 47-year-old father and 8-year-old brother had been walking to a nearby school bus stop at the same time as Sealey was backing out of the driveway.

In an "extremely unfortunate turn of events," Sealey apparently didn't notice that his relatives were behind the Chevrolet Malibu his was driving, police said in a statement.

Bedford EMS transported both victims to the hospital with serious injuries. Police Chief John Bryfonski said the investigation did not indicate any malicious intent.

“Accidents like this occur all too frequently across the country when a family member fails to take notice of other people in a driveway or street when backing out,” said Bryfonski in a statement. “In some cases, the construction of the vehicle involved may limit the rear view, even if there are rear cameras. We urge all drivers to take the necessary steps to ensure the path behind their vehicle is clear of all persons or obstructions before backing up. Always look twice and never rely solely on a camera or a single glance when backing up.”

Bedford police also remind drivers that with warmer weather, they are likely to see an increased number of young children, joggers and bicyclists on the roads.