A heartbreaking incident in Melbourne’s east has left a community in mourning and prompted a significant public conversation about road safety and driver licensing regulations for seniors.
After a car left the road in Wantirna South, resulting in the tragic deaths of two pedestrians and serious injuries to a toddler, Victorians are now looking closely at the state’s policies to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
What Happened in Wantirna South
On a Thursday afternoon, a family of three—a 60-year-old man, a 59-year-old woman, and a two-year-old boy—were walking on a footpath on Coleman Rd.
At that moment, a car driven by a 91-year-old woman reportedly mounted the kerb, striking the trio before coming to a stop after hitting a fence and a bench.
Tragically, the 59-year-old woman died at the scene. The 60-year-old man was transported to the hospital in critical condition but sadly succumbed to his injuries a few days later.
The young boy was also seriously injured, though his condition has since been stabilised.
Police are conducting a full investigation into the circumstances of the crash, including whether speed was a factor.
They noted that the elderly driver was emotionally shaken but sustained only minor physical injuries and will be interviewed as the investigation progresses.
A Spotlight on Licensing for Elderly Drivers
The incident has brought renewed attention to Victoria’s system for assessing the driving fitness of its older residents. Currently, Victoria does not have specific age-based medical testing requirements.
Drivers aged 75 and over must renew their licence every three years, a process that can involve various tests, but it is not a mandatory medical check.
This approach differs from many other parts of Australia. A comparison of regulations shows:
- NSW, QLD, ACT, TAS, & NT: All require a mandatory medical check for drivers aged 75 and older.
- South Australia: Older drivers must complete regular self-assessment forms.
- Western Australia: From the age of 80, drivers must undergo an annual medical assessment to renew their licence.
The Victorian government is now considering these calls to review its own rules in light of this tragic event and the systems in place across the country.
A Community in Mourning and a Call for Information
The crash, which occurred during the first week of the school holidays, has deeply affected the local community.
Superintendent Justin Goldsmith described a confronting scene and noted the car had travelled a considerable distance on the footpath before the collision.
Authorities have appealed to the public for assistance. Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dashcam footage is urged to come forward to help investigators piece together a complete picture of what occurred.
As the community grieves, the conversation about how to best balance driver independence with public safety continues, with the hope that future tragedies can be prevented.