Woods Suffers Severe Injuries to Both Legs in Speeding Accident... Career at Risk

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] 'Golf Emperor' Tiger Woods injured both legs in a rollover car accident while driving. Following recent back surgery, the leg injuries have led to predictions that he is facing the greatest crisis of his athletic career.

According to local media including the AP News, Woods was driving a Hyundai Motor Company's Genesis GV80 in Los Angeles (LA) County, California, when the accident occurred at around 7:12 a.m. local time on the 23rd. He was taken to the hospital.

The accident happened on the boundary road between Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes, 32 km south of downtown LA. This road is a steep downhill curve with four lanes in both directions, where accidents frequently occur, and the speed limit is 45 mph (72 km/h).

The police stated, "The car Woods was driving crossed the median barrier, rolled over several times, hitting curbs and trees on the opposite lane, and stopped on a slope 9 meters away from the road." Regarding the cause of the accident, they said, "There is no evidence that Woods was driving under any impairment."

Woods sustained leg injuries in the accident but is reported to be in stable condition. Alex Villanueva, sheriff of LA County, said at a press conference that "his ankle was shattered, and both legs suffered complex fractures," according to AP News.

The front part and bumper of the vehicle were severely damaged by the impact, but it was confirmed that there was no direct collision with another vehicle. There were no passengers. Police and fire authorities at the scene used tools such as axes and crowbars to rescue Woods through the front windshield.

Sheriff Villanueva said, "There were no signs that Woods was under the influence of drugs or smelled of alcohol," adding, "However, it seems he was driving somewhat faster than the normal speed limit." Local media reported that no skid marks, which usually appear during sudden braking, were found at the accident site.

Woods was involved in this accident while undergoing rehabilitation after his fifth back surgery. Recently, he visited LA as the host of the Genesis Invitational tournament, attended the awards ceremony, and filmed a GolfTV program.

CNN reported, "Woods has been struggling with frequent injuries and surgeries, and in the worst case, his golf career could be over." AFP News also stated, "Woods' remarkable golf career is now in jeopardy due to a serious car accident."

This is not Woods' first car accident. In November 2009, he crashed into a fire hydrant and a tree near his home in Florida and was hospitalized. At that time, Woods suffered a lip laceration, received treatment, and was discharged, but it was revealed that he had been driving under the influence of medication.

The accident sparked rumors of marital discord and scandals about Woods having affairs with multiple women. Subsequently, Woods lost major corporate sponsorships and was unable to participate in golf tournaments for five months.

In May 2017, near his home in Florida, Woods was found asleep in his parked car and was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Police tests showed no alcohol in his system, and Woods explained that he was sleeping in the car due to the effects of prescribed painkillers.

Meanwhile, Woods, sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company, had been using a GV80 provided by Hyundai during his recent stay in LA as the host of the PGA Genesis Invitational held last weekend. Police said that despite the rollover accident, the SUV's interior was almost undamaged, calling Woods' survival "a matter of luck."

Sheriff Villanueva said, "Although the front part and bumper of the vehicle were completely destroyed, the interior remained almost intact, acting as a cushion that allowed Woods to survive. Otherwise, it would have been a fatal accident."