114 years ago Crystal Palace was put on the map……writes Andrew McFarlane of BBC News Magazine when Bridget Driscoll (pictured) was hit at the speed of 4mph by a Roger-Benz car.
(Thanks to Stephen Pollock-Hill who corrected my erroneous statement that this was the World’s first motor accident. See comments below. Ed)
Bridget 'Driscoll (circled)
If you are interested in joining our mailing list, please submit your email below. 
Not true I’m afraid!31st August 1869 in Northern Ireland is the world first recorded fatality
see http://www.carhistory4u.com/the-early-history/general-information.
It might be the first fatal accident in teh Crystal Palace area, but not the world!
I do believe that the first driver to be killed happened at Stanborough Hill Harrow, Middlesex, also in the 1890;s but do not know the exact date. there is a commemorative plaque there !
Stephen, you are quite right, well spotted! Bridget Driscoll was the first person in the UK to be fatally injured by a motor car (1896).
Mary Ward as you rightly state, was the world’s first victim (1869):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Ward_(scientist)
However, Mary Ward was a passenger who fell out of her steam carriage so perhaps Bridget is still the first pedestrian to be killed by a car?