Blind Man Driving Tractor Causes Accident
REASONS why blind people should be discouraged from driving, but not singled out for special attention: “A blind pensioner caused a crash on the A9 when he parked his tractor and trailer across the central reservation and fast lane of the dual carriageway.”
The BBC reports that Robert Simpson, 77, has admitted driving “carelessly”. He claims not to have known his eyesight was defective. Although he is registered as blind.
You see, yer honour, it as dark: “Simpson had been driving in the dark, without any lights, at an average speed of about 10mph.”
It is said he got lost on his way home to a nursing home in Auchterarder from a trip to Perth.
He is thought he had missed his turn-off and pulled in to the central reservation, leaving the trailer parked across the outside lane of the busy trunk road.
The case book runs:
The court was told that Mr Lawson was driving a Jaguar at about 60mph while overtaking in the outside lane. He suddenly became aware of the stationary trailer in the outside lane but managed to brake and miss it. Mr Alexander also managed to narrowly avoid it but the cars collided. They both came to rest in the central reservation with extensive damage. Other vehicles had to take evasive action, not just to avoid the trailer, but also the vehicles which had collided.
It is an unfortunate tale. And, sadly, one that Mr Simpson was unable to hear in court. Says his solicitor John Buchan said: “He has been unable to make it in. He has travel difficulties.”
A line that could that lends itself to –rattle-on-the-cymbal full stop.
Sentencing has been deferred…
Posted: 1st, March 2008 | In: Strange But True Comment (1) | TrackBack | Permalink
