Pensioner kills Police Officer

Pia · 06-11-2008, 21:37

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/suffolk/7713835.stm

Quote:

A 71-year-old grandmother has been jailed for 16 months for killing an off-duty Essex Police officer in a "breathtakingly dangerous" manoeuvre.

So do you reckon she'd have got jail if it wasn't a police officer she killed?

I was so angry reading this, what a MORON this woman was. We all make mistakes when driving but ffs if you miss your turn-off or whatever she did we all know it's common sense to carry on and turn around....

**Russ** · 06-11-2008, 21:41

I've always believed that the over 70s should get annual retests.

Pia · 06-11-2008, 21:44

Me too, and this confirms it for me even more so now.

But then you'll get people saying the over 70's cause the least accidents, but really, this would likely be because there's not as many of them on the road. Plus most of them drive slowly to make up for their slower reaction times (probably), but clearly it doesn't stop stuff like this happening.

**Russ** · 06-11-2008, 21:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pia

Me too, and this confirms it for me even more so now.

But then you'll get people saying the 0ver 70's cause the least accidents, but really, this would likely be because there's not as many of them on the road. Plus most of them drive slowly to make up for their slower reaction times (probably), but clearly it doesn't stop stuff like this happening.

The over 70s are more likely to have habits they'll never grow out of. No-one can deny the most at-risk group are the 17 to 24 year olds but at least they tend to grow up and leave bad habits behind.

When you get some dozy octogenarial driving the wrong way down the motorway or dual carriageway because they were 'confused' about road signs, it makes you wonder will they ever have all their faculties about them in order to be safe to other road users.

SMG · 06-11-2008, 22:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ B

The over 70s are more likely to have habits they'll never grow out of. No-one can deny the most at-risk group are the 17 to 24 year olds but at least they tend to grow up and leave bad habits behind.

When you get some dozy octogenarial driving the wrong way down the motorway or dual carriageway because they were 'confused' about road signs, it makes you wonder will they ever have all their faculties about them in order to be safe to other road users.

Your quite right Russ, not many young people suffer from an age related ilness. Poor eyesight, slow reactions, confusion, senility, plus the old killer, over confidence. I have alwys been a supporter of an "Age / Condition test", one which examines the fitness of the candidate to safely control a vehicle.

This could be a 30min test, taken in a simulator, either when the person has medical problems, or is simply over 65. A re test at 70, then every year after.

I remember testing one old boy, who had lost his licence, DVLA had no record of it, so he had to sit a test. He completed the 30 minute route in 20 minutes, his rims were bashed & dented where he had kerbed the car, & I had to remind him we were in a 30mph limit, just as he hit 45. Totally over confident. He was speechless when I failed him.

Another occasion was where another old boy came, ordered to sit a test, he couldn't even move off, I gave him 10 mins then knocked him. His wife was furious. They had booked a holiday in Bournemouth, & he was supposed to drive them there.

The number of incapable people on our roads is nothing short of criminal.

As this poor sod found out.

etccarmageddon · 06-11-2008, 22:57

I dont see what the point is of sending this person to jail.

Mal · 06-11-2008, 22:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by etccarmageddon

I dont see what the point is of sending this person to jail.

Because she was found guilty of dangerous driving, which resulted in a death?

etccarmageddon · 06-11-2008, 23:06

and what will prison achieve? rehabilitation? I think she should never be allowed to drive again - that is the answer.

Mal · 06-11-2008, 23:17

Does that go for everyone or is this just for people over 70?

07-11-2008, 03:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ B

I've always believed that the over 70s should get annual retests.

Here here Russ I've been saying this for years mate, when they get to 70 they shold be made to take another test, if they pass that test then fair do's they can carry on driving for 2 years. If they fail the test then that's it sorry your not fit to drive. Make them take the test every 2 years to show they are fit to drive.

---------- Post added at 04:25 ---------- Previous post was at 04:23 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by SMG

Your quite right Russ, not many young people suffer from an age related ilness. Poor eyesight, slow reactions, confusion, senility, plus the old killer, over confidence. I have alwys been a supporter of an "Age / Condition test", one which examines the fitness of the candidate to safely control a vehicle.

This could be a 30min test, taken in a simulator, either when the person has medical problems, or is simply over 65. A re test at 70, then every year after.

I remember testing one old boy, who had lost his licence, DVLA had no record of it, so he had to sit a test. He completed the 30 minute route in 20 minutes, his rims were bashed & dented where he had kerbed the car, & I had to remind him we were in a 30mph limit, just as he hit 45. Totally over confident. He was speechless when I failed him.

Another occasion was where another old boy came, ordered to sit a test, he couldn't even move off, I gave him 10 mins then knocked him. His wife was furious. They had booked a holiday in Bournemouth, & he was supposed to drive them there.

The number of incapable people on our roads is nothing short of criminal.

As this poor sod found out.

Bloody good post.

---------- Post added at 04:27 ---------- Previous post was at 04:25 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by etccarmageddon

I dont see what the point is of sending this person to jail.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mal

Because she was found guilty of dangerous driving, which resulted in a death?

Ditto to the above ^^^^

**Kymmy** · 07-11-2008, 07:18

A member of one of the biking forums I admin on was recently run over by an elderly couple and spent 5 days in hospital..LINK

I agree with Russ that they should have yearly tests even if for starters it's just eyesight and reaction tests...

Mind you I think that EVERY driver should have to have eyesight and reaction tests at very least once ever 10 years and if they need glasses to drive with then it should be noted in the DVLA records

etccarmageddon · 07-11-2008, 09:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mal

Does that go for everyone or is this just for people over 70?

anyone who is comvicted of death by dangerous driving who is clearly "past it" and who should stick to using public transport.

tweetypie/8 · 07-11-2008, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ B

I've always believed that the over 70s should get annual retests.

agree.

pabscars · 07-11-2008, 11:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by etccarmageddon

anyone who is comvicted of death by dangerous driving who is clearly "past it" and who should stick to using public transport.

its a bit late by that point

etccarmageddon · 07-11-2008, 13:20

I agree but that's no the issue here - the issue is whether prison is going to achieve anything other than waste taxpayers money. I also dont understand why this woman wasn't banned for life from driving ever again - madness.

---------- Post added at 14:20 ---------- Previous post was at 14:18 ----------

she'll be out in 8 months or less and could be driving again in 5 years and in my opinion even if she passes a retest should not be allowed back in the driver seat.