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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to report driver to police?

17 replies

pumpkinpiee · 14/12/2023 17:49

Hi, looking for opinions of whether I should contact 101 to report an unsafe driver.

Earlier today I was around a third of the way across a zebra crossing with my baby in the pram (so was clearly on the crossing), when a driver drove straight across the crossing without stopping and nearly hit us both. I caught a glimpse of the driver who was an elderly gentleman and managed to note down his number plate. Immediately after crossing the zebra crossing he indicated to turn right to turn off the road (at a crossroads) and stopped completely stationary before turning right despite there being no other traffic coming from any direction. Just mentioning this additional detail as I feel that it reflects the general state of his driving and shows poor decision making.

I feel like I should contact 101 to report him in case he continues to drive dangerously and someone gets injured or worse, but don't know if this is extreme? His age (looked 80 plus) suggests that he may no longer be competent and so may have his license taken from him which I would feel bad about, however he did nearly hit us earlier and I feel that by not reporting I could potentially be putting others at risk.

YABU - do not report the man
YANBU - call 101 and make a report

OP posts:
CeciliaMars · 14/12/2023 17:55

I think you should report him - imagine if he killed someone next time? My 87 year old father in law really needed to stop driving a couple of years ago. He didn't agree. We know now he was in the early stages of alzheimer's. I was horrified to realise that there was no way of reporting him or forcing him to take a test - we basically had to wait until he admitted he was unfit to drive OR wait for an accident to happen. Luckily the accident that did happen only hurt himself and he agreed to give up driving. I believe that everyone over the age of 80 should have to retake a test every year or two, and that there should be a phone line where you can report concerns that would then trigger a test. Glad you are OK OP.

Screwyouloopylou · 14/12/2023 17:58

YANBU I would report for both others and his own safety

SALWARP2023 · 14/12/2023 17:59

I think you can report unsafe drivers on the DVLA website -:part of government.uk. it seemsean but if he's unsafe he should be reported.

MintJulia · 14/12/2023 18:15

His age is irrelevant, as is his pause before right turn.

But driving across a pedestrian crossing while you and your baby were on it, is not. Report it, give all the factual details that you have, and let them decide.

He may have been involved in another incidence since, and the police need all the available information.

Hopefully there will some cctv to support your report.

Original poster
pumpkinpiee · 14/12/2023 21:32

Thanks everyone, you have confirmed my thoughts so will go ahead with the report tomorrow

OP posts:
rwalker · 14/12/2023 21:47

Yes report probably get a visit from pcso

but if the police visit and there’s other family members there then it makes them aware

if it’s logged it will help build a picture so any prev or future incidents will all help to get there license taken off them

until I’ve been through it myself with my dad I would of flippantly just said it’s as easy as taking there keys off them and ring dvla to get someone to stop driving

it’s incredibly difficult to firstly convince someone there not fit to drive and to actually get there license revoked

my dad had his license revoked (ignored the letter to review /renew it ) and did an advanced driving test to get it back he passed with no minors but in a bad day he wasn’t safe well I thought he wasn’t safe at all

PurpleNebula84 · 14/12/2023 21:52

You should be able to report it online and your local force website... Save you waiting for the phone to be answered... Its done then.

Fionaville · 14/12/2023 21:56

I think you have a duty to report him. I've never reported anybody for anything, but I would in this instance.

maximist · 14/12/2023 21:56

Definitely report him. He could kill somebody next time....

SinnerBoy · 14/12/2023 22:03

Yes, missing someone part way across a pedestrian crossing is terrible driving. Most weeks, there are stories about people being injured, or killed, by drivers who were unfit for various medical reasons. He may get away with it forever, or he may hit someone tomorrow.

You're definitely doing the right thing.

ActDottie · 14/12/2023 22:06

Report him. Next time he may actually hit someone.

Zebra crossings are terrifying the number of people who don’t stop on them. I have three to cross to go into town and it’s scary!!

SleepingBeautySnores · 14/12/2023 22:15

You are definitely doing the right thing in reporting this OP, as it certainly seems this elderly man is no longer fit to drive. Sad though it is to have to get someone to give up their independence, but there comes a time when if the driver is putting lives at risk, other people's safety becomes more important.

Moonlightdust · 14/12/2023 22:42

I am the least ageist person - I love seniors (!) but my goodness, some of the driving I’ve encountered particularly from elderly men where I live is truly shocking 🙈

Copperoliverbear · 14/12/2023 23:15

Report

Fieldofbrokenpromises · 14/12/2023 23:37

YANBU but good luck getting the Police to take any interest. Around here they weren’t interested in the bloke driving his car with no tax or MOT whilst continuously stoned on weed.

Thriving30 · 14/12/2023 23:40

Did he realise what he'd done? Definitely report

fiftiesmum · 15/12/2023 07:47

I would be happier if the driving age was increased to 21. There have been too many cases recently where teenagers (particularly males) have been involved in serious collisions.
Older men still seem to drive as if they were in the past so will go well over seventy on the motorway to overtake (DH I am looking at you) drive after a few drinks (DH friends who will not let their wives drive), hog the outside lane as it's the fast lane etc hopefully the next generation coming through will be better although have seen a lot of reports in the media of women in their thirties and forties getting caught for drink driving in the afternoon

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