Elderly driver, 80, goes wrong way on A30 during rush hour

On August 28, an 80-year-old driver was reported driving the wrong way on the A30 dual carriageway near Okehampton, Devon, during rush hour. Dashcam footage captured the moment another driver, who was traveling correctly, had to maneuver back into the inside lane to avoid a collision with the elderly man's blue Volkswagen. The police received multiple reports about the driver’s erratic behavior, including a later incident on Hill Barton Road in Exeter where the same vehicle was again seen on the wrong side of the road. Authorities were alerted around 5:30 PM, prompting a response from Devon and Cornwall police. Officers located the elderly driver after he collided with a central reservation. Following the incident, he was arrested on suspicion of driving without due care and attention. However, he was later de-arrested and taken to a hospital for evaluation, where he was left in the care of medical staff. The situation raised concerns about the safety of elderly drivers on the road, particularly during busy traffic times. It highlights the potential risks associated with age-related driving impairments, which can lead to dangerous situations for both the driver and other road users. The police have stated that inquiries into the incidents are ongoing, indicating that further investigation may be necessary to understand the full circumstances surrounding the events. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for appropriate measures to ensure that all drivers, especially the elderly, are fit to operate a vehicle. The community is left to ponder the implications of such occurrences and the necessary steps to prevent them in the future.