Sheriff Nigel Ross has called for a change in the current driver licensing system after a tragic incident that resulted in the death of three-year-old Xander Irvine in Scotland. The fatal accident inquiry revealed that the driver, Edith Duncan, who was 91 years old and had dementia, lost control of her car during a turning manoeuvre, leading to the fatal accident.
According to Sheriff Ross, the incident could have been avoided if Duncan’s cognitive ability had been properly assessed, and her driving license had been revoked due to her cognitive impairment. He criticized the current system of self-certification of fitness to drive for individuals over 70 years old as “significantly defective” and recommended an overhaul of the system.
Sheriff Ross suggested limiting self-certification to individuals under 80 years old and requiring anyone over 80 to undergo a cognitive assessment before renewing their license. He emphasized the need for more stringent measures to assess the fitness of elderly drivers and to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.
In addition to changes in the driver licensing system, Sheriff Ross proposed adding further questions to the renewal application form to gather information about the applicant’s recent driving history. These recommendations would require amendments to primary legislation, which would be the responsibility of the UK Government to consider.
The tragic death of Xander Irvine has highlighted the importance of ensuring the safety of all road users, especially vulnerable pedestrians. By implementing the recommendations put forth by Sheriff Ross, steps can be taken to improve the driver licensing system and prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. It is crucial to prioritize the well-being of all individuals on the road and to take necessary measures to enhance road safety for everyone.
