Elderly unsafe driver

silvergrey_2

My father in law has recently had an accident, where he ran into the back of a car at a roundabout at 29 miles an hour. He then drove away and when he was stopped he said he had run into the roundabout. We feel that he is not safe to continue to drive, he will not have an assessment - saying he doesn't need it.

What is the best way to inform the DVLA, I have tried looking on line but can't find any forms to complete, I have rung but on hold for over 20mins then cut off.

Has anyone else been through this. Thank you

elsien

Not about the form specifically but general information here. There is also a postal address that you can send any concerns to.
Drivers Medical Group, DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1TU.

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/travel-hobbies/driving/worried-about-someones-driving/

Mildly_Miffed

Local police.

Ms_Chocaholic

Personally I would take away his keys to prevent him from driving, if he's reluctant (as it sounds as if he is) ask him if you could borrow the car and fit a steering lock or something to prevent him from driving it. I'd be concerned that he could injure someone seriously the next time and he might have had a lucky escape this time around.

etienneg

Was there any damage to the other car? If so, do you know what the other driver intends to do?

When you say "when he was stopped", was this by the police or what?

fwor

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81894174#Comment_81894174

If he is of sound mind, it's wrong to suggest that you can physically take the keys away from him. Ultimately, that would be theft, and if he wanted to take action to recover them it would be within his rights to do so.

The AgeUK advice linked to above is a reasonable, balanced approach to the problem. If he was stopped by the police after the accident, it may be worth asking them whether they can require that he has a DVLA assessment as a result of the accident.

elsien

Agree. Plus it would be a really good way to !!!!!! up any remaining relationship that you had with the older person.

Ms_Chocaholic

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81894253#Comment_81894253

He told family he had run into the roundabout when he had run into the back of a car, did he believe what he said was the case. If so he doesn't sound of sound mind.

I stand by what I said, I couldn't live with myself if he continued to drive and went on to kill an innocent driver/pedestrian.

BikingBud

Been there and done it.

We used to follow an elderly relative by tracking app on the phone and realised where simple A>B routes were becoming convoluted and included false turns and back tracking. We were persistent and eventually "they decided" that they should give up driving. We were concerned but were very happy once they stopped

If the other party in the accident reports it to the police you might find a NIP will provide enough persuasion.

Do you have LPA for health and welfare? Can you speak with their GP and explain your concerns?

Markdavid1962

Silvergrey_2

I feel for you as we had to do the same.

My father was in his 80's and had dementia, I was driving behind him and he was all over the road and turning corners he would be on the other side of the road, he even lost his bearings in his local area and turned right instead of left to head home

I made an appointment with his GP and also showed him my dashcam footage.

I also had the same debate about reporting him, loss of freedom etc as once you alert DVLA they investigate contact his GP and ask him to surrender the licence voluntary but if he decides to keep driving they can cancel the licence, he was also told someone reported his driving which was a difficult moment.

However the thought of him having an accident and killing someone, we had to act and do the responsible thing.

The process I followed was write to DVLA giving them the details and they follow a process which includes writing to his GP

35har1old

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6656406/elderly-unsafe-driver

Who or what recorded the speed?

At that speed I would expect some damage and personal injury to third parties

Does his car have airbags?