Have been talking to an elderly (70 ish) person today who has admitted to me that he has cataracts on both eyes and that his vision is so impaired that he should not be driving. This is after writing off his car last month in a head on collision (fortunately no injuries) and has since hit his replacement vehicle twice, luckily no other car or person being involved. One can only question how many other motorists are driving around with similarly impaired vision and why compulsory eye inspections are not introduced for older drivers.
I feel so concerned that I ought to report this person before a young child is possibly killed, but am reluctant to shop anybody for fear of reprisals.
|
Do it.
Mr Brunstrom raised the hackles by announcing that he wanted his Officers to do roadside eyesight tests at random....what's wrong with that ?
|
|
|
Dude, a similar dilemma was raised several months ago whereby a backroomer was concerned, I think, about his parent's reactions etc etc the wheel.
The overwhelming opinion was that you must report it. Without being blunt, and taking into account your last sentence, how will you feel if he does kill a child. Today? Tomorrow?
Not sure what the procedure would be in the way of reporting it etc but probably start off with the Police?
|
|
|
|
Appreciate your dilemma but just think how awful you'd feel if someone was killed as a result of this. Thus far he's been lucky but that could all change and he could wind up seriously injuring himself and/or other people. You'll be doing everyone a favour by reporting him.
|
|
|
The Brunstrom roadside check thing reeks of 1930's Germany but I do think there should be a system whereby older persons' sight could be checked for example at registration time before renewal.
I have just gone through an update at my local opticians. They didn't pull any punches. My partner was insistent and bless her for that.
Do it.
|
|
Just the same as breath tests. In fact the criteria for requirment could be the same...after an accident (which they can do anyway), erratic driving etc. Don't see it as too intrusive into civil libs.
|
|
|
|
Dude, I agree with everyone else that this person should not be driving until his eyes are fixed.
You'll be doing a favour to both of you. If there was an accident, I doubt either if you would live easily with your consciences -- you for not having shopped him, and him for not having stopped himself.
I would guess that someone of that age is scared of losing his mobility and independence, but he needn't be. Cataract operations are not a huge job, and even if you go privately, they are relatively cheap: a friend had one done last year for just over £2000, and anyway most NHS waiting lists for catarcts have come down a long way. Once fixed, he can be back on the road in safety.
However, if he has more accidents due to the lack of vision, he might well find his insurers doing some checks, and the consequences of that might see him off the road permanently.
|
There is an inbuilt resistance in most of us to "Grassing up" somebody. Understandable perhaps when it is a workmate nicking the firms goods or a neighbour fiddling benefits, but driving a car when you are effectively blind is a different matter.
Imagine being at the funeral of a friends child, knowing that all along you had the information that would have prevented the accident that led to his death.
Don't hesitate, this guy is dangerous.
|
|
|
|
|
If he knows he has cataracts and intends to continue driving, he should arrange to have the cataracts cleared - it's not a major operation. That's what you should suggest he does.
|
My late mother was driving around after unknowingly having a stroke a few years ago
Her driving was only brought to her attention when a couple of police officers pulled her over. I suspect they first thought she had been drinking, but fortunately quickly realised it was something more serious, and less self inflicted.
One drove her and her car home whilst the other followed. They advised her to see a doctor, which she did and no further action was taken. She had the responsibility to stay off the road until she was fit to drive, which is commendable.
If your friend when to see the doctor his licence would be suspended, for his own safety and those of others. Please press him to see a doctor but if he won't - shop him.
Hugo
|
Hugo,
sounds as this belongs in the Police Common Sense thread; evidence, I would suggest, of the thousands of everyday instances where they use it to the common good!
|
I started the earlier thread about an elderly parent's driving ability, and the resulting dilema.
This case seems a bit different, but also easier. Cataracts can be treated. After treatment, the person can drive again. I don't really see the problem - it would be a bit like warning someone with a leg in plaster that he ought to wait for it to heal before trying to drive.
(Incidentally my own dilema over my mother's driving has resolved itself. She has given up driving, and now shops on-line or gets a taxi)
|
Now that you know of this problem you must take action - either by talking to the person in question directly (which will make you feel awkward) or just report him to the police. You will feel uncomfortable either way but what is a some slight unease compared to how you will feel when this person ends up injuring or killing someone - as he surely will.
There are no easy answers here. Please take action though. By his own actions this person has shown no consideration for others.
|
|
I meant to add - you say you are worried about reprisals....from whom - the 70 year old man? How many other people do you think he has told of his problem? I'm sure you could report him anonymously to the police or DVLA...
|
|
Update - following your replies and my troubled conscience, rather than shop this person to the plod, I have paid him and his wife a visit, and can report a very favourable result. By simply raising this issue in front of his wife, who is naturally scared witless riding as a passagenger any longer, she has hidden the car keys and promised that they will stay hidden until the husband undergoes cataract surgery. She even phoned and booked the necessary appointment whilst I was present, so I feel a whole lot easier that at least one lethal driver is now off the road, but still wonder how many more are still driving around in a similar visually impaired state.
|
It amazes me that there is no legal requirement in the UK for drivers eyesight to be tested on a regular basis.
I believe that in Australia, for example, not only do you have to have regular eye checks and the need for glasses is endorsed on your licence, but also carry spare glasses in the car.
And you don't have to be old to have defective vision. My wife (50's) lost part of a lung and the reduction in oxygen level has affected her sight. OK with glasses, but would be deadly without.
|
|
|
|
I had a cataract operation a few months ago, (I'm 69 next December)and I can assure you all that not only is it quick, but also it is quite painless. My vision in my treated eye is now so good that I need no long sight prescription in my glasses and when my other eye is done in about a year I shall need glasses only for reading! Roll on the next one EYE say!
BTW when I had my dealership we provided a free car to my very elderly father-in-law. After two ,thankfully slight, accidents due to his poor vision, we reluctantly had to take it off him. We felt bad - but just imagine our feelings if a really bad crash had occurred.
Do it
Roger in Spain
|
In the majority of cases cataract surgery is one of those 'miracle cures' - all pros and no cons. Get him sorted.
|
|
|
|
|
