Driving tragedy brings duty of care into focus

Following the 18-month imprisonment last week of an 87-year-old man for causing death by dangerous driving, the College of Optometrists has reminded practitioners of their role when handling cases of drivers with poor vision.

Peter Cole struck 86-year-old Ambrose Skingle in Theydon Bois, Essex in January 2012. Skingle died shortly after, reported BBC Essex.

College guidance said that drivers were legally responsible for informing the DVLA or DVA about conditions which could affect their safety as a driver. It added that the General Medical Council's recommendation was that practitioners should make every reasonable effort to persuade patients they believe are not fit to drive to stop driving. If this fails, practitioners can contact the DVLA to disclose, in confidence, any relevant information to the medical adviser.