Concerns were raised about the safety of some older drivers at the inquest of a fatal accident in which a mother and baby were killed - 3rd June 2010

A coroner has raised concerns about the safety of some elderly drivers. Michael Singleton made the comments during the inquest into the deaths of a woman and her 18-month old son who were knocked down when an 89-year-old driver mounted a pavement in Accrington, Lancashire.  Ernest Wray lost control of his Rover 400 saloon, hitting Jackie and Jayden Bloomer before crashing into a wall. Wray, who also died in the road accident, suffered from angina but the DVLA had said he could keep his driving licence as the condition was not thought to be brought on by driving.

The DVLA’s medical adviser, Dr Stephanie Williams told the inquest that the pensioner had filled in the self-certification questionnaire truthfully and his doctor believed he was fit to drive. She added that the DVLA did not have the power to force drivers to retake their test when they reached a certain age. Mr Singleton recorded verdicts of accidental deaths on all three but added: “I have to consider whether the fact the current system of licensing of drivers and those with medical conditions is sufficiently robust. It appears to me from the evidence I have heard that Mr Wray was legally and medically fit to drive.” All drivers aged over 70 currently have to complete a health questionnaire every three years. The Department for Transport did propose to tighten the medical requirements on older drivers in 2007 but did not take the matter any further.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1281038/Driver-89-died-heart-attack-wheel-killed-mother-toddler-pavement.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

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