Crash expert's appeal on elderly drivers after Colchester crash (From Essex County Standard)

Crash expert's appeal on elderly drivers after Colchester crash

2:00pm Thursday 13th September 2012 in News By Andrea Collitt

A SENIOR crash investigator has appealed for elderly drivers to consider if they are fit to get behind the wheel after a man, 83, admitted killing a motorcyclist in Colchester.

Donald Lambert drove his Peugeot 207 car into former Colchester United trainee Dean Sadler, on the Ardleigh Crown roundabout, on April 1.

Lambert, of Mayes Lane, Ramsey, admitted causing death by careless driving, when he appeared at Colchester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. He was banned from driving for 18 months, told to pay £85 costs and sentenced to 100 hours of unpaid work.

Paul Torn, mitigating, told the court the accident was not age-related and Lambert’s eyesight was in order.

However, Insp Keith Whiting, head of Essex Police ’s serious collision investigation unit, said: “Whenever you drive on the road, you should take the utmost care at all times, as the slightest mistake can result in the loss of a life.

"This case highlights the issue of elderly drivers and their ability to drive safely. I hope they discuss with their loved ones whether it’s time to stop driving.”

Dean, 33, lived in Ipswich. He was a trainee at Colchester United from the age of 16 to 18.

Insp Whiting added: “Our thoughts remain with Dean’s family, his young son and his partner.

“Dean’s family have worked with us throughout the investigation. I’m sure the sentence will give them little comfort.

"No sentence could put things right for them. They will continue to live with the loss of someone who has played a special part in their lives.”