http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/search/4 ... irections/UPDATE!
I post as an update which contradicts the initial press reports I think the original OP as regards how to react if broken down in L3 still valid for discussion. The update has a different slant. I added to this thread. If mods wish to split . then zero probs.
Bolton News wrote:
Pensioner killed on motorway had stopped to ask for directions
8:19am Wednesday 17th June 2009
AN 82-year-old woman was knocked down and killed after stopping her car on the M61 to ask for directions, an inquest heard.
Oliva Nhad been out to buy a new a television on January 29, Bolton Coroner’s Court was told.
But the journey ended in tragedy when the pensioner, of Towncroft Lane, Heaton, got lost and stopped to ask for help from two men stopped on the hard shoulder.
She got out of her silver Ford Ka, which she parked close to the central reservation, and walked around to the back of her car.
The two men, who had broken down and were waiting for a recovery vehicle shouted to Mrs N to stay where she was.
But to their horror, she started to walk across the southbound carriageway and into the path of John B, from Blackburn, who was driving himself and his wife to Manchester in their Renault Laguna.
Mr B, who estimated he was travelling between 60 and 70 miles per hour, said: “All of a sudden, she set off, trying to run, and she came into the lane I was in.
“I knew the second I put my foot on the brake that I was going to hit her. There was no chance. I did everything I could to avoid that collision.”
The incident happened between Junctions One and Two, in the four-lane section of the M61 near Salford.
In a statement read to the court, Mrs N’s daughter, Janet F, said her mother was proud and independent and was an experienced driver but never drove on the motorways.
A police investigation found no evidence that Mr B had committed any offences.
The inquest heard Mrs N died from multiple injuries. Bolton’s deputy coroner, Alan W, recorded a verdict of accidental death.
steven.thompson@the boltonnews.co.uk
I have removed names .. I would expect all to refer as Mrs N/Mr B etc. as mark of respect to all as this is not posted to condemn anyone . but to learn.
It raises umpteen questions ..age. competence. etc. all the same.
AT first reports - woman's car had broken down. This is one debate in itself as regards what to do if you break down in L3.
As it turned out . she appeared to be confused as a result of "never using motorways" per her "nearest and dearest" which leads down a different road of discussion as regards age on the one hand and lack of experience on another finger point.
A truly awful and sad story.
Hell this family has a lot of "elderly feisties". We hope they all use the common sense genes they have dedicated their lives to bequeathing to us.. and hand in licences when they realise "past it" and the real seniors in the family
haveMy own wife has been advised not to drive still, In herself - she feels OK .. but then? .. the odd very sharp pain which makes her draw in her breath and shake visibly to us all? She has very sensibly decided to wait until this subsides to "almost nothing" and I know it's a tantalising torture for her at this current stage in her recovery.
I'm saying we have to be aware of ourselves all the time. I think that when we reach age 75 onwards - we have to be aware of "spasmodic confusion as we head towards our dreaded/personal nightmare destiny of potential senilty". My sister looks after our maiden aunt. This lady appears lucid 90% of the time. - but my sister tells me of some scares which has made her persuade the old love to surrender her licence.
I do not know what to suggest for the older driver.. other than annual tests once above age 75 years as default start.
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