A Perthshire road incident involving an elderly driver and a woman pushing a pram has resulted in a driving ban and a substantial fine for the pensioner. The incident, which occurred in September 2022 on the B9099 between Stanley and Luncarty, brought to light concerns about road safety and the impact of such events on the local community.
84-year-old Michael McEwan, a resident of Craigie Road in Perth, was found guilty of careless driving following a jury trial at Forfar Sheriff Court. The original charge of dangerous driving was reduced, but the court determined that McEwan’s actions were negligent and directly contributed to the incident. Sequence of Events and Injuries
The incident unfolded as McEwan was driving along the rural B9099, where his car was observed repeatedly swerving across the road. Ultimately, the vehicle mounted the kerb near Downhill Cottage, colliding with the woman and her pram. Thankfully, the 18-month-old child in the pram escaped unharmed. However, the woman suffered injuries, including a mild head injury and a fractured toe, requiring treatment at Ninewells Hospital’s A&E department. Initially discharged with a moon boot, the woman’s condition worsened, with subsequent visits to her GP in Stanley revealing further bruising. Additionally, she reported experiencing night terrors a month after the collision, necessitating the prescription of beta-blockers. Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
During the court proceedings, McEwan’s solicitor, Linda Clark, emphasized her client’s advanced age, his previously unblemished legal record, and his involvement in community volunteer work. Ms. Clark expressed confidence that such an incident would not reoccur and highlighted McEwan’s dedication to community service. Sheriff Mark Thorley considered these factors, along with McEwan’s cooperation with social workers following the incident. However, given the severity of the situation and the lasting impact on the victim, Sheriff Thorley imposed a fine of £1,575 and disqualified McEwan from driving for three years. As the damage to the pram had already been addressed by McEwan’s insurer, no additional compensation order was issued. The Sheriff characterized McEwan’s driving as showing ‘a matter of some carelessness,’ acknowledging the disruption this ban would cause to his volunteering activities, as he would now be reliant on others for transportation.
This incident serves as a reminder for drivers of all ages in Perth and Kinross to exercise caution, especially on rural roads. Road safety initiatives and community support networks are vital to ensuring the well-being of all residents, and incidents like this one underscore the need for continued focus on these efforts.
This case has resonated with Perth residents who frequent the scenic B9099, popular with families for walks and outings to local attractions like the Stanley Mills and the village of Luncarty. The outcome has sparked conversations about road safety, senior driving assessments, and the need for increased vigilance on rural roads.
Furthermore, the incident has prompted local community groups to organize initiatives aimed at promoting safe driving practices, especially for senior citizens. These include workshops on road awareness and car maintenance checks, encouraging proactive measures to prevent future accidents. These initiatives are part of a broader effort within the Perth and Kinross area to improve road safety for everyone.
The victim’s recovery is being closely followed by the local community, demonstrating the sense of care and support prevalent in the area. Local support groups and organizations are offering assistance to help the woman manage the lingering effects of the accident and return to her regular activities.
84-year-old Michael McEwan, a resident of Craigie Road in Perth, was found guilty of careless driving following a jury trial at Forfar Sheriff Court. The original charge of dangerous driving was reduced, but the court determined that McEwan’s actions were negligent and directly contributed to the incident. Sequence of Events and Injuries
The incident unfolded as McEwan was driving along the rural B9099, where his car was observed repeatedly swerving across the road. Ultimately, the vehicle mounted the kerb near Downhill Cottage, colliding with the woman and her pram. Thankfully, the 18-month-old child in the pram escaped unharmed. However, the woman suffered injuries, including a mild head injury and a fractured toe, requiring treatment at Ninewells Hospital’s A&E department. Initially discharged with a moon boot, the woman’s condition worsened, with subsequent visits to her GP in Stanley revealing further bruising. Additionally, she reported experiencing night terrors a month after the collision, necessitating the prescription of beta-blockers. Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
During the court proceedings, McEwan’s solicitor, Linda Clark, emphasized her client’s advanced age, his previously unblemished legal record, and his involvement in community volunteer work. Ms. Clark expressed confidence that such an incident would not reoccur and highlighted McEwan’s dedication to community service. Sheriff Mark Thorley considered these factors, along with McEwan’s cooperation with social workers following the incident. However, given the severity of the situation and the lasting impact on the victim, Sheriff Thorley imposed a fine of £1,575 and disqualified McEwan from driving for three years. As the damage to the pram had already been addressed by McEwan’s insurer, no additional compensation order was issued. The Sheriff characterized McEwan’s driving as showing ‘a matter of some carelessness,’ acknowledging the disruption this ban would cause to his volunteering activities, as he would now be reliant on others for transportation.
This incident serves as a reminder for drivers of all ages in Perth and Kinross to exercise caution, especially on rural roads. Road safety initiatives and community support networks are vital to ensuring the well-being of all residents, and incidents like this one underscore the need for continued focus on these efforts.
This case has resonated with Perth residents who frequent the scenic B9099, popular with families for walks and outings to local attractions like the Stanley Mills and the village of Luncarty. The outcome has sparked conversations about road safety, senior driving assessments, and the need for increased vigilance on rural roads.
Furthermore, the incident has prompted local community groups to organize initiatives aimed at promoting safe driving practices, especially for senior citizens. These include workshops on road awareness and car maintenance checks, encouraging proactive measures to prevent future accidents. These initiatives are part of a broader effort within the Perth and Kinross area to improve road safety for everyone.
The victim’s recovery is being closely followed by the local community, demonstrating the sense of care and support prevalent in the area. Local support groups and organizations are offering assistance to help the woman manage the lingering effects of the accident and return to her regular activities.