to think that the police / DVLA should do more to investigate this?

[glassofwhiteanybody]

I recently heard of an elderly lady who is no longer fit to drive. I know some of her personal details but not all of them. She's had a few accidents and was not aware of them until people chased down the street to tell her. The neighbours are all worried about her, think she's not fit to drive but don't wish to report it because it would take away her independence. I have some sympathy for that but think it's more important that the general public should be protected from someone who is not fit to drive.

I tried to report it to the police but they weren't interested because I couldn't give them details of specific accidents.

I tried to report it to DVLA but they're saying unless I can give more details they can't investigate it. They're asking me for her driving licence number. How on earth could I get that?! I've given enough info that I think they could easily identify her by a quick look at the electoral roll. I don't live locally so can't check it myself.

I think that I've done by bit by giving them the info I have and it's up to them to investigate from here. I'm concerned that because I can't give full details nothing will be done and someone may end up injured in an accident which could have been prevented. AIBU?

YANBU... My FIL has his licence revoked when he was diagnosed with Alzheimers, but that diagnosis took 2 years. The DVLA couldn't do anything without specific details, understandably, else people would be losing their licences all the time without just cause. I would keep an eye out and write a diary of any further incidents, or see if I could contact the lady's family to suggest that maybe she needs some assessment - why is she not fit to drive?

We took the car keys off FIL before the DVLA took his licence, and it felt cruel, but we felt it had to be done for everyone's wellbeing.

You need to evidence your accusations by giving examples of why you think she is a danger to herself and others -not a general whine about her driving.

Do you know this lady well enough to speak to her about your concerns?

Perhaps speak to her relatives.A GP can inform DVLA if there really is cause for concern if she refuses to accept it.

I don't know her at all, that's why I can't provide any details. I just heard people talking about it and I was concerned by what they said. I wouldn't expect her licence to be revoked on the basis of the little info I've been able to provide, but I suppose I was hoping DVLA might have some way of investigating - perhaps they could mention it to her GP who could call her in for an informal chat about it and arrange for her eyes to be tested etc.

Occasionally you do hear of elderly people having accidents and killing themselves and other people and I'd prefer to think it might be avoided if people had raised concerns about whether the person was fit to drive and those concerns were followed up.

A GP will discuss it with her when her licence expires.
No one will investigate on hearsay.
Speak to the people who know her if you have genuine concerns.

Sorry but this just sounds like hear say and is none of your business. Unless you have actually seen these incidents / accidents then stay out of it.

Scurry
The GP won't discuss it with her. My Mum is 85 and has recently has had her licence renewed after completing a form herself. It would be for her to say if her health had changed. She is actually fine (although a little less confident driving than she used to be!), but there is a huge reliance on people being honest.

Agree with mrspoc. I know that sounds harsh and unreasonable because of course if she really is unfit then she should be off the road; but you have not seen this, you are just going by "gossip" and that really isnt enough for the police or dvla to go on.

They ask the question "do you feel ok to drive?" but have to rely on honesty, I agree.

The GP can inform DVLA if they feel they are a danger but most will try persuasion as it could harm their relationship with the patient.

ajandjjmum - I find it surprising that DVLA just rely on people saying that they still feel fit to drive. I'd think it was safer to ask people over a certain age to re-sit their test to prove they can still drive safely. No disrespect to your mother, as you are obviously satisfied she is OK to drive, but some people might think they're ok when they're not

What I would say Op is that you are not local to this lady, In fact you have sai that you do not even know her but have had people gossiping. Leave well alone.

I understand that you think you are trying to help but you are not. If she is a danger then she needs coming off the roads but seriously know one knows if she is.

Age isn't always the reason for poor driving - there are plenty of others I would rather be off the road before I start on the elderly!
People are more at risk from drink drivers, speeders, those who do not maintain their vehicles, and the careless. The elderly are not the biggest danger on the road just because they are of a certain age.

Glassofwhite
I agree it's not safe - although I think to make an older person sit a formal test would be extremely hard.
But when my Dad was ill he was obviously not well enough to drive. Although he never surrendered his licence, as a family we made sure one of us (Mum included) always drove him.
To be fair, the GP may not see patients on a regular basis, so maybe a formal test of eyesight etc. etc. could be required on the form.

We have a little old lady who lives in our village who is locally known for not being the best driver (don't know if its age related or not...) to the point where people throw themselves into garden hedges to be safe.
She regularly takes wing mirrors off and almost reversed into the front of my car, until I realised what she was doing and flung the car into reverse and got out the way.
But how to deal with it? Not via the police or the dvla apparently...will prob have to wait for a major incident to happen first.

poorbuthappy This is what I'm afraid of.

Surely one of the people chasing her down the street on one of her many incidents should go to the police?

poorbuthappy....try persuasion. If you give specific examples, a local PCSO can be tasked with having a word with her first.

Specific incidents, RTCs should be reported so that if she is ever dealt with for careless driving, there will be some chance a court can intervene.