The Victorian government is contemplating stricter driving assessment for elderly drivers following a serious incident where a 91-year-old woman lost control of her vehicle near a playground, leading to a fatal collision with three pedestrians, resulting in the death of one.
Acting Premier Ben Carroll expressed sympathy for the victim’s family and acknowledged the valid concern of assessing the fitness of elderly drivers. He plans to collaborate with the road safety minister on this issue, despite the government’s previous rejection of age-based checks suggested by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
The incident occurred on Coleman Road, Wantirna South, affecting one toddler and one man critically. Police are investigating if speed contributed to the crash, noting the downhill nature of the road. This incident comes during a grim period for road safety in Victoria, which has seen several fatal accidents involving unmanaged vehicles.
The government’s recent approach to elderly driver assessments has been criticized, following a suggestion to implement age-based checks like those in other Australian jurisdictions. Currently, Victorian drivers over 75 need to renew their licenses every three years, which includes various tests.
The 91-year-old driver, who sustained minor injuries, has yet to be interviewed by the police. Initial investigations indicate that the car lost control about 40 to 50 meters before hitting the pedestrians, who were walking in the same direction. The vehicle continued for another 200 meters, striking infrastructure before stopping near a playground.
Police confirm that the driver faced minor injuries, including scratches, and underwent assessment and blood tests. The driver’s vehicle was a Toyota Yaris.
The tragedy adds to Victoria’s concerning road safety record, with recent incidents including a truck crashing into a kindergarten and an SUV hitting a fence at a primary school, causing fatal consequences both times.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for reviews and potential changes in the transportation laws, especially concerning the driver’s age and capability assessment.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jul/11/wantirna-south-car-crash-playground-coleman-road-melbourne-ntwnfb
