The family of a woman killed by an elderly driver has called on the DVLA to crack down on vulnerable road users by introducing new, tougher rules on driving licences. Chantelle Cattermole has stressed there was a need for “better communication” between doctors and the DVLA to ensure any medical concerns are flagged as soon as possible.
Rosemary Macandrew was killed in July 2024 after being struck by an 89-year-old driver in a supermarket car park. An inquest into the accident heard that the driver, named as Noel Maguire, had reversed out of a parking spot after hitting the wrong pedal. Instead of applying the brakes, Mr Maguire, who died in March, is said to have pressed down on the accelerator, colliding with a number of people.
The inquest heard that Ms Macandrew passed away from fatal chest injuries, having been trapped under the wheels.
Speaking to the BBC, Chantelle, Rosemary’s daughter, said: “First and foremost, I think there should be better communication between the healthcare side [and] the DVLA.
“I’ve had a lot of messages just recently saying that there’s a lot of families in the same boat, where they’re wanting to take the keys off a family member, they’ve even reported a family member to the DVLA, sharing their concerns.
“This, I think, could have been prevented.”
It has later emerged that no concerns over Mr Magure’s condition had been raised by his GP surgery despite having suffered from various health issues.
Motorists are only required to self-certify their health when renewing their driving licence every three years past 70.
A spokesperson for the Department for Transport stressed they would consider the findings of the coroner’s report into the accident.
A statement read: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with Rosemary’s family. All drivers are required to ensure they are medically fit to drive, and all car drivers over 70 must renew their licence every three years.
“The Government is committed to improving road safety and we continue to explore ways to achieve this.”
However, Chantelle has hinted that the power to decide to stay on the roads needed to be taken away from the drivers.
She has suggested there was a need for tougher checks in place to protect elderly drivers from getting behind the wheel unaware of their frailties.
Chantelle added: “I suppose as you get older your car is your independence, to get around and stuff, so it does make it more difficult, so there should be some better checks in place. In reality, who wants to give up their driving licence?”