FRIGHTENING: Confused driver Martha Harwood, 81, joined the M65 at Whitebirk on the westbound exit road
AN 81-year-old grandmother brought havoc to the M65 after driving the wrong way along the motorway for 15 miles.
Cars swerved, one piled into a crash barrier with its four occupants taken to hospital and the motorway had to be closed for five hours.
Martha Harwood, who was trying to get home to Darwen, said she had been confused by the new layout at Whitebirk roundabout.
The retired florist went the wrong way up the exit slip road for the westbound carriageway at junction six and carried on until Barrowford because "there was nowhere to turn around".
Police said Martha's Suzuki Ignis had been travelling at only 40mph and was eventually stopped by a police patrol car with flashing blue lights.
The Ford Fiesta crashed into a side barrier trying to avoid her.
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This caused part of the motorway to be closed while officers cleared debris off the road and cut a passenger free.
No-one was seriously injured, although four passengers from the Fiesta were taken to hospital.
Martha was eventually stopped at around 10pm on Monday. Her Suzuki Ignis was seized and she was escorted home.
She was not arrested. Police said that at this stage they did not think it was in the public interest to bring charges against her.
However officers said her licence could be revoked.
Martha, of Blackburn Road, said she had been trying to get home after visiting a friend in Longridge for tea.
She said: "I was at the new Whitebirk roundabout in Blackburn and I saw a signpost for Blackburn so I thought I would follow that.
"I have no idea how I ended up going the wrong way on the motorway. It is very confusing with all of the new signs at Whitebirk.
"At first I didn't think there was anything wrong.
"It was quiet on the road. Then I saw cars coming towards me.
"It was quite scary and I didn't know what to do. There was nowhere for me to turn around so I just kept going.
"The police were really nice when they stopped me. I didn't know what to do until they arrived.
"They asked if I had had a drink but I feel very strongly about that and would never drink and drive.
Martha, who has been driving since she was in her thirties, said: "I haven't decided if I will stop driving. I feel a bit silly about what has happened."
Police Constable Neil Goodison, of the road policing unit, was the officer who pulled Martha over.
He said: "She was completely oblivious to what happened and did not even know there had been an accident.
"She came to a stop in front of my car when she saw my lights in the outside lane of the motorway.
"I turned her car around so she was facing the right way.
"She was trying to get to Darwen and realised she was on the wrong side of the road but didn't know how to get off."
Sergeant Dave Langton, of the motorway unit, said it was fortunate no-one was seriously injured.
He said: "It could have been worse and there may have been fatalities."
A spokesperson for the campaigning motoring organisation the RAC foundation said it was rare for someone to drive down the motorway the wrong way for as far as 15 miles.
He said: "We definitely do not suggest that older people give up driving completely, but they should make sure they have their sight and other facilities.
"People should know their limitations because it is very easy to get confused especially on busy roads."
Here's an idea:
Driving tests every five years, for everyone, regardless of age or experience.
Funded by the government, paid for with the money they'd save having to deal with the aftermath of poor driving... Other than it'd take a bit or work to put into place, can anyone come up with any valid reason why this is not done?
If it costs a billion pounds, and means one less death on the roads each year, it would be a bargain - although the ratio would be much more favourable than that.
Here's an idea:
Driving tests every five years, for everyone, regardless of age or experience.
Funded by the government, paid for with the money they'd save having to deal with the aftermath of poor driving... Other than it'd take a bit or work to put into place, can anyone come up with any valid reason why this is not done?
If it costs a billion pounds, and means one less death on the roads each year, it would be a bargain - although the ratio would be much more favourable than that.
Posted by: Tom, Blackburn on 11:46pm Tue 25 Mar 08
Sorry there offended I couldnt agree with you at all. Firstly, there'll always be poor drivers on the roads even after they behave when passing their tests, its human nature for some people to be idiots. Secondly, the cost of driving is already incredibly high. Thirdly, one death does not justify spending a billion pounds and before you have a go someone related to me has died on the roads at the hand of another driver.
The roundabout is a mess and will take some getting used to o for everybody, lets just be happy no serious harm was done.
Sorry there offended I couldnt agree with you at all. Firstly, there'll always be poor drivers on the roads even after they behave when passing their tests, its human nature for some people to be idiots. Secondly, the cost of driving is already incredibly high. Thirdly, one death does not justify spending a billion pounds and before you have a go someone related to me has died on the roads at the hand of another driver.
The roundabout is a mess and will take some getting used to o for everybody, lets just be happy no serious harm was done.
Posted by: voice of reason on 11:46pm Tue 25 Mar 08
silly silly old bat. and if you had of killed someone? old people like you are a public liability. your license should be revoked and you should be banned from driving forever. shame on you
silly silly old bat. and if you had of killed someone? old people like you are a public liability. your license should be revoked and you should be banned from driving forever. shame on you
[quote][bold]Tom[/bold] wrote:
Sorry there offended I couldnt agree with you at all. Firstly, there'll always be poor drivers on the roads even after they behave when passing their tests, its human nature for some people to be idiots. Secondly, the cost of driving is already incredibly high. Thirdly, one death does not justify spending a billion pounds and before you have a go someone related to me has died on the roads at the hand of another driver.
The roundabout is a mess and will take some getting used to o for everybody, lets just be happy no serious harm was done.[/quote] Agree with you Tom. If anything has to be implemented it should be advanced driving courses. Why? It improves the standard of driving (provided they take pride in their driving) and it would lower insurance premiums, if the government waived the premium tax at the least, for those whom have a certificate to prove they are advanced.
On a further note, not all OAP's are a danger, just some. Sir Jackie Stewart could teach all of us a few things no doubt, and it wouldn't be about racing.
Tom wrote:
Sorry there offended I couldnt agree with you at all. Firstly, there'll always be poor drivers on the roads even after they behave when passing their tests, its human nature for some people to be idiots. Secondly, the cost of driving is already incredibly high. Thirdly, one death does not justify spending a billion pounds and before you have a go someone related to me has died on the roads at the hand of another driver.
The roundabout is a mess and will take some getting used to o for everybody, lets just be happy no serious harm was done.
Agree with you Tom. If anything has to be implemented it should be advanced driving courses. Why? It improves the standard of driving (provided they take pride in their driving) and it would lower insurance premiums, if the government waived the premium tax at the least, for those whom have a certificate to prove they are advanced.
On a further note, not all OAP's are a danger, just some. Sir Jackie Stewart could teach all of us a few things no doubt, and it wouldn't be about racing.
Posted by: Tony H, Burnley on 1:22am Wed 26 Mar 08
Apparently Martha received a phone call from her family to warn her there was a driver going the wrong way on the motorway.
Her reply was that there wasn't one but "bloody hundreds of them"
Apparently Martha received a phone call from her family to warn her there was a driver going the wrong way on the motorway.
Her reply was that there wasn't one but "bloody hundreds of them"
Posted by: Disabled and struggling on 4:14am Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Observer[/bold] wrote:
Now you see why bus passes are issued to OAP's ?????[/quote] But where are the buses when you want one?
And why do bus drivers never lower the bus when anyone with a mobility problem or women with buggies want to get on the bus. The driver just sits and watches the people struggle on the bus.
Observer wrote:
Now you see why bus passes are issued to OAP's ?????
But where are the buses when you want one?
And why do bus drivers never lower the bus when anyone with a mobility problem or women with buggies want to get on the bus. The driver just sits and watches the people struggle on the bus.
Posted by: Dingle, Padiham on 9:00am Wed 26 Mar 08
"Police said that at this stage they did not think it was in the public interest to bring charges against her."
I,m sorry did i miss something !
She could have killed countless people and trashed a car, if this was a teenager they would have had the book thrown at them . Double standards again !
"Police said that at this stage they did not think it was in the public interest to bring charges against her."
I,m sorry did i miss something !
She could have killed countless people and trashed a car, if this was a teenager they would have had the book thrown at them . Double standards again !
I personally think she should have her licence taken off her, i actually saw her coming towards me in the 3rd lane so i had to swerve to avoid her and i and everyone else on the motorway was flashing her and she still just carried on oblivious!!! and she didnt turn round because there 'was nowhere to turn' ??? whats all that about, the motorway wasnt busy! THEN i was stuck on the motorway for an hour with the crash right in front of me! You should definatly at least have to take your test again when your over 70, you never hear of young people drivin down the motorway the wrong way, its just ridiculous.
I personally think she should have her licence taken off her, i actually saw her coming towards me in the 3rd lane so i had to swerve to avoid her and i and everyone else on the motorway was flashing her and she still just carried on oblivious!!! and she didnt turn round because there 'was nowhere to turn' ??? whats all that about, the motorway wasnt busy! THEN i was stuck on the motorway for an hour with the crash right in front of me! You should definatly at least have to take your test again when your over 70, you never hear of young people drivin down the motorway the wrong way, its just ridiculous.
And just to add, there was a junction inbetween where i saw her and where the crash happend, so why didnt she pull off there?? i personally think she didnt even know she was going the wrong way. She was going in the wrong direction for Darwen anyway.
And just to add, there was a junction inbetween where i saw her and where the crash happend, so why didnt she pull off there?? i personally think she didnt even know she was going the wrong way. She was going in the wrong direction for Darwen anyway.
I agree the lines and markings on the new whitebirk roundabout are ridiculous there is far too many markings and I can see how people get confused. I use the roundabout daily and have seen many many people in the wrong lanes still even with all the markings and they have cut right in front of people who are joing the motorway at Blackburn to go towards Accrington/Burnley etc BUT I must admit for those who can drive properly then the roundabout is the best thing ever done as I use it at rush hour in the morning and at night and it has cut my travelling time by a good 20 mins to half hour no more queues so the good drivers benefit from it I think
I agree the lines and markings on the new whitebirk roundabout are ridiculous there is far too many markings and I can see how people get confused. I use the roundabout daily and have seen many many people in the wrong lanes still even with all the markings and they have cut right in front of people who are joing the motorway at Blackburn to go towards Accrington/Burnley etc BUT I must admit for those who can drive properly then the roundabout is the best thing ever done as I use it at rush hour in the morning and at night and it has cut my travelling time by a good 20 mins to half hour no more queues so the good drivers benefit from it I think
does this not tell oaps that maybe they shouldnt be driving? how in gods name do u end up going the wrong way on a motorway? so wat if the roundabout has changed, it still goes in the same direction. also u should slow down if you dont understand the new layout. no excuse, sounds like now shes makin a joke of it and no doubt blaming her old age. its disgusting, and yes if it had of been a young driver they would of been in trouble. thank god this maniac martha didnt kill a young family. take her licence off her.
does this not tell oaps that maybe they shouldnt be driving? how in gods name do u end up going the wrong way on a motorway? so wat if the roundabout has changed, it still goes in the same direction. also u should slow down if you dont understand the new layout. no excuse, sounds like now shes makin a joke of it and no doubt blaming her old age. its disgusting, and yes if it had of been a young driver they would of been in trouble. thank god this maniac martha didnt kill a young family. take her licence off her.
[quote][bold]NjoY[/bold] wrote:
In her defense... They have fcked up whitebirk roundabout... It is confusing... there's lanes and lines everywhere.[/quote] totally AGREED!! they have really messed it up people are always jumping in and out lanes..also why the hell have they put BLK can they not put BBURN!! r they THICK?!
NjoY wrote:
In her defense... They have fcked up whitebirk roundabout... It is confusing... there's lanes and lines everywhere.
totally AGREED!! they have really messed it up people are always jumping in and out lanes..also why the hell have they put BLK can they not put BBURN!! r they THICK?!
Posted by: Sarah, Preston on 10:49am Wed 26 Mar 08
[italic]"I haven't decided if I will stop driving. I feel a bit silly about what has happened."[/italic]
Does this lady appreciate the seriousness of what she did?
OK, she may be old and frail, but she caused mayhem!
If this had been a young lad, I doubt very much the police would have had quite so much sympathy.
"I haven't decided if I will stop driving. I feel a bit silly about what has happened."
Does this lady appreciate the seriousness of what she did?
OK, she may be old and frail, but she caused mayhem!
If this had been a young lad, I doubt very much the police would have had quite so much sympathy.
THEY MIGHT BE JUMPING IN AND OUT OF LANES, ID RATHER THEM DO THAT THAN DRIVE THE WRONG WAY UP A MOTORWAY.
I DREAD TO THINK HOW YOU LOT COPE WHEN DRIVING IN A COMPLETELY NEW TOWN IF YOU CANT DEAL WITH A FEW NEW LANES ON A ROUNDABOUT.
THEY MIGHT BE JUMPING IN AND OUT OF LANES, ID RATHER THEM DO THAT THAN DRIVE THE WRONG WAY UP A MOTORWAY.
I DREAD TO THINK HOW YOU LOT COPE WHEN DRIVING IN A COMPLETELY NEW TOWN IF YOU CANT DEAL WITH A FEW NEW LANES ON A ROUNDABOUT.
Posted by: Hampy, Rossendale on 11:07am Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Dingle[/bold] wrote:
"Police said that at this stage they did not think it was in the public interest to bring charges against her." I,m sorry did i miss something ! She could have killed countless people and trashed a car, if this was a teenager they would have had the book thrown at them . Double standards again ! [/quote] This is the first time i've ever entirely agreed with a Dingle!
Dingle wrote:
"Police said that at this stage they did not think it was in the public interest to bring charges against her." I,m sorry did i miss something ! She could have killed countless people and trashed a car, if this was a teenager they would have had the book thrown at them . Double standards again !
This is the first time i've ever entirely agreed with a Dingle!
Posted by: Michelle, Darwen on 11:09am Wed 26 Mar 08
I cant believe nothing is coming against her. She should definitely have to take her driving test again. She carried on for 15 miles, if there was nowhere to turn around why didnt she just pull onto the hard shoulder?! She passed me at more than 40 mph as well. I believe she didnt even know she was going the wrong way and didnt actually care about the problems and danger she put everyone in. I am very angry that nothing is coming against her. I can accept a mistake has been made and she has been confused and got on the motorway the wrong way but there is no excuses for carrying on for 15 miles, she could have stopped on the hard shoulder at any point. The fact is she is getting away with it because of her age, if a younger person had done that it would be seen as youths driving wreckless and there is no way they wouldnt be banned or charged.
I cant believe nothing is coming against her. She should definitely have to take her driving test again. She carried on for 15 miles, if there was nowhere to turn around why didnt she just pull onto the hard shoulder?! She passed me at more than 40 mph as well. I believe she didnt even know she was going the wrong way and didnt actually care about the problems and danger she put everyone in. I am very angry that nothing is coming against her. I can accept a mistake has been made and she has been confused and got on the motorway the wrong way but there is no excuses for carrying on for 15 miles, she could have stopped on the hard shoulder at any point. The fact is she is getting away with it because of her age, if a younger person had done that it would be seen as youths driving wreckless and there is no way they wouldnt be banned or charged.
Posted by: Alice Nutter, Pendle Hill on 11:24am Wed 26 Mar 08
What a stupid old woman! She has no excuse really, can she not READ the signs, that is what they are there for! I hope to God she has her licence removed, she is a menace!
What a stupid old woman! She has no excuse really, can she not READ the signs, that is what they are there for! I hope to God she has her licence removed, she is a menace!
Posted by: Rowan, Blackburn on 11:28am Wed 26 Mar 08
I'm sorry, but I fail to see what is so confusing about the new roundabout.
The road and lane markings are very clear - far clearer than the old one - and if you no longer have the ability to adapt to new situations - whether it be through old age or anything else - then you shouldn't be driving.
What about the people whose cars she wrecked? I bet they're going to have to wait ages for the insurance to be sorted out. Is she going to pay them compensation? I hope so.
There's simple mistakes, and sheer stupidity.
I'm sorry, but I fail to see what is so confusing about the new roundabout.
The road and lane markings are very clear - far clearer than the old one - and if you no longer have the ability to adapt to new situations - whether it be through old age or anything else - then you shouldn't be driving.
What about the people whose cars she wrecked? I bet they're going to have to wait ages for the insurance to be sorted out. Is she going to pay them compensation? I hope so.
My father is 68 this year and has been Type 1 Diabetic for 30 years. Other than that there is nothing wrong with him and he is a perfectly capable driver (if a little more cautious than most). Yet he has to re-apply for his driving licence every three years and be assessed on whether he is fit to drive or not! It's like everything else, we do it all arse-about-face. My old man's no danger to anyone, yet this silly old bat gets a "never mind, don't do it again love, on your way" and no more than that. Ridiculous!
My father is 68 this year and has been Type 1 Diabetic for 30 years. Other than that there is nothing wrong with him and he is a perfectly capable driver (if a little more cautious than most). Yet he has to re-apply for his driving licence every three years and be assessed on whether he is fit to drive or not! It's like everything else, we do it all arse-about-face. My old man's no danger to anyone, yet this silly old bat gets a "never mind, don't do it again love, on your way" and no more than that. Ridiculous!
Posted by: Alice Nutter, Pendle Hill on 11:43am Wed 26 Mar 08
Maybe the people whose cars she caused to be damaged could try and put in a civil prosecution for damages?
She really should not be driving as she is clearly not fit. I cannot believe the police are going to let the matter drop and not press charges! Somebody could have died!
Maybe the people whose cars she caused to be damaged could try and put in a civil prosecution for damages?
She really should not be driving as she is clearly not fit. I cannot believe the police are going to let the matter drop and not press charges! Somebody could have died!
Alice Nutter - there's no reason at all why they can't try and pursue a civil claim against her.
I just hope she's encouraged to hand over her licence, given that she doesn't even seem to think she's done anything wrong. That makes her a real danger on the roads.
Alice Nutter - there's no reason at all why they can't try and pursue a civil claim against her.
I just hope she's encouraged to hand over her licence, given that she doesn't even seem to think she's done anything wrong. That makes her a real danger on the roads.
Give up driving Martha, Whitebirk's new layout is a god send, i can see at rush hour how people unfamiliar with the new layout might get confucsed, especially if they get little or no time to read the lane descriptions on the road. Sad as I am I drove around there the sunday it first opened with the new lights just to check it out. Weeks later I'm still being cut up, usually by elder drivers. If its all getting a little too much to take in thats nature's way of saying get a buss pass.
Give up driving Martha, Whitebirk's new layout is a god send, i can see at rush hour how people unfamiliar with the new layout might get confucsed, especially if they get little or no time to read the lane descriptions on the road. Sad as I am I drove around there the sunday it first opened with the new lights just to check it out. Weeks later I'm still being cut up, usually by elder drivers. If its all getting a little too much to take in thats nature's way of saying get a buss pass.
I was one of the drivers that avoided Martha on Monday night.
Luckly the road was clear and I was in the slow lane going around 70 - it certainly makes you jump when you see a pair of headlights comming towards you (plus their hazard lights flashing !). For some reason I didn't have my mobile with me, so I thought I'd better call the police at one of the orange SOS boxes at the side of the motorway. I stopped, picked up the receiver and [bold]bold[/bold] it rangout[bold]bold[/bold] , no reply !!.
So we have a car going in the wrong direction on a motorway and no police are available.........
I was one of the drivers that avoided Martha on Monday night.
Luckly the road was clear and I was in the slow lane going around 70 - it certainly makes you jump when you see a pair of headlights comming towards you (plus their hazard lights flashing !). For some reason I didn't have my mobile with me, so I thought I'd better call the police at one of the orange SOS boxes at the side of the motorway. I stopped, picked up the receiver and it rangout , no reply !!.
So we have a car going in the wrong direction on a motorway and no police are available.........
I was passed by Martha on the slip road at Whitebirk, my wife rang the police immediately, I am suprised that the police responded to the incident so rapidly! NOT, My question is to the police and why they let Martha carry on for 15 miles.
Thankfully the M65 was quite at the time and no-one was seriuosly hurt, my six-month old baby was also in the vehicle at the time, it was only after the car had passed that it sunk in what could have happened and we were very lucky.
As for the new roundabout I think its brilliant. The old rounabout was not a problem for me, however it has eased traffic for motorists from Rishton & Gt Harwood.The rounabout is easy to follow if you look carefully at the lane markings.
I was passed by Martha on the slip road at Whitebirk, my wife rang the police immediately, I am suprised that the police responded to the incident so rapidly! NOT, My question is to the police and why they let Martha carry on for 15 miles.
Thankfully the M65 was quite at the time and no-one was seriuosly hurt, my six-month old baby was also in the vehicle at the time, it was only after the car had passed that it sunk in what could have happened and we were very lucky.
As for the new roundabout I think its brilliant. The old rounabout was not a problem for me, however it has eased traffic for motorists from Rishton & Gt Harwood.The rounabout is easy to follow if you look carefully at the lane markings.
BAN HER, in fact all drivers should have to hand in their licenses at 70. No matter who you are you will have slow reactions and "muddled" thinking after 70, it's not the first time this has happened and the pensioners nearly always escape with nothing more than oblivious embarrassment. I cant wait till I'm 70 boy the fun!!!
BAN HER, in fact all drivers should have to hand in their licenses at 70. No matter who you are you will have slow reactions and "muddled" thinking after 70, it's not the first time this has happened and the pensioners nearly always escape with nothing more than oblivious embarrassment. I cant wait till I'm 70 boy the fun!!!
I cannot believe that anything is not going to happen to this lady it is appauling.
I also cannot understand why she didnt pull over onto the hard shoulder and stay there until help arrived silly person to go on for 15 miles its unbelievable.
Is even more unbelievable that she can keep her licence.
My son drives and is 20 years old if it had happened to him he would have spent the night in the police cells and been in court next day.
Sorry it shouldnt be a different rule for her either.
My nana is 84 and she is fairly fit but id hate to think that she was still driving as her eyesite is failing now.
Has this old lady not got any family to tell her now not to drive anymore.
Its amazing that noone was hurt, i still cant believe it.
An angel must have beem watching over the M65 and her that night.[bold]bold[/bold]
I cannot believe that anything is not going to happen to this lady it is appauling.
I also cannot understand why she didnt pull over onto the hard shoulder and stay there until help arrived silly person to go on for 15 miles its unbelievable.
Is even more unbelievable that she can keep her licence.
My son drives and is 20 years old if it had happened to him he would have spent the night in the police cells and been in court next day.
Sorry it shouldnt be a different rule for her either.
My nana is 84 and she is fairly fit but id hate to think that she was still driving as her eyesite is failing now.
Has this old lady not got any family to tell her now not to drive anymore.
Its amazing that noone was hurt, i still cant believe it.
An angel must have beem watching over the M65 and her that night.
Well said Lydia. PS Those who suffered injury and damage will be able to claim from Martha's insurance company. Hopefully her insurers will then see sense and withdraw her insurance cover so she can drive no more - for everyone's safety!
Well said Lydia. PS Those who suffered injury and damage will be able to claim from Martha's insurance company. Hopefully her insurers will then see sense and withdraw her insurance cover so she can drive no more - for everyone's safety!
TREAT HER LIKE U WOULD TREAT ANY OTHER RECKLESS DRIVER!! YOU CANT BE PICKY WHEN IT COMES TO JUSTICE. WHAT ABOUT THE POOR MAN WHO CRASHED INTO BARRIERS TO AVOID HER AND HE HAD TO BE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL?? IF THIS MAD WOMAN KEEPS HER LICENSE AND DOES NOT GET A SENTENCE WHAT THE HELL ILL BE TAKING SHORTCUTS TOO - I BET ILL LAND MYSELF IN JAIL THOUGH!!!
TREAT HER LIKE U WOULD TREAT ANY OTHER RECKLESS DRIVER!! YOU CANT BE PICKY WHEN IT COMES TO JUSTICE. WHAT ABOUT THE POOR MAN WHO CRASHED INTO BARRIERS TO AVOID HER AND HE HAD TO BE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL?? IF THIS MAD WOMAN KEEPS HER LICENSE AND DOES NOT GET A SENTENCE WHAT THE HELL ILL BE TAKING SHORTCUTS TOO - I BET ILL LAND MYSELF IN JAIL THOUGH!!!
TREAT HER LIKE U WOULD TREAT ANY OTHER RECKLESS DRIVER!! YOU CANT BE PICKY WHEN IT COMES TO JUSTICE. WHAT ABOUT THE POOR MAN WHO CRASHED INTO BARRIERS TO AVOID HER AND HE HAD TO BE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL?? IF THIS MAD WOMAN KEEPS HER LICENSE AND DOES NOT GET A SENTENCE WHAT THE HELL ILL BE TAKING SHORTCUTS TOO - I BET ILL LAND MYSELF IN JAIL THOUGH!!!
TREAT HER LIKE U WOULD TREAT ANY OTHER RECKLESS DRIVER!! YOU CANT BE PICKY WHEN IT COMES TO JUSTICE. WHAT ABOUT THE POOR MAN WHO CRASHED INTO BARRIERS TO AVOID HER AND HE HAD TO BE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL?? IF THIS MAD WOMAN KEEPS HER LICENSE AND DOES NOT GET A SENTENCE WHAT THE HELL ILL BE TAKING SHORTCUTS TOO - I BET ILL LAND MYSELF IN JAIL THOUGH!!!
Posted by: Rowan, Blackburn on 3:23pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Put in a civil claim? Get real - she's 81, do you really think she has any money to pay anyone?
And because there was no actual contact between the cars, I bet the drivers who crashed trying to avoid her are going to have an insurance nightmare.
I hope they're fully comprehensive, otherwise they may be without a car for a long time! Not to mention that the police will probably say 'You were speeding' (as one tends to do on a motorway).
I'm not saying that old people in general are a menace - I know a guy who's 83 and still rides (very competently I might add!) a big Triumph motorbike. Although, being a biker myself, I can't count the number of times I've nearly been wiped out by some old git not looking where they're going.
The fact is that if someone is no longer capable of driving, which includes reading the road, looking out around them and being able to respond to developing situations in good time, then they SHOULD NOT DRIVE. It's that simple.
Put in a civil claim? Get real - she's 81, do you really think she has any money to pay anyone?
And because there was no actual contact between the cars, I bet the drivers who crashed trying to avoid her are going to have an insurance nightmare.
I hope they're fully comprehensive, otherwise they may be without a car for a long time! Not to mention that the police will probably say 'You were speeding' (as one tends to do on a motorway).
I'm not saying that old people in general are a menace - I know a guy who's 83 and still rides (very competently I might add!) a big Triumph motorbike. Although, being a biker myself, I can't count the number of times I've nearly been wiped out by some old git not looking where they're going.
The fact is that if someone is no longer capable of driving, which includes reading the road, looking out around them and being able to respond to developing situations in good time, then they SHOULD NOT DRIVE. It's that simple.
Rowan - "get real" yourself. She will have insurance, which will deal with any claims - that's what it's for. It matters not one jot how much money SHE has.
It would not be so bad if she realised she's in the wrong -but she seems to think it's just a little mistake and she can carry on as normal. That makes her even more dangerous, in my opinion.
Rowan - "get real" yourself. She will have insurance, which will deal with any claims - that's what it's for. It matters not one jot how much money SHE has.
It would not be so bad if she realised she's in the wrong -but she seems to think it's just a little mistake and she can carry on as normal. That makes her even more dangerous, in my opinion.
i cant blame martha for getting confused on that roundabout i do and im 60 years younger than her, i dont understand why this has become an age thing, people do make mistakes[bold]bold[/bold]
i cant blame martha for getting confused on that roundabout i do and im 60 years younger than her, i dont understand why this has become an age thing, people do make mistakes
Posted by: Emerson Lake and Fittipaldi on 4:03pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]pd[/bold] wrote:
Got a Satnav going cheap - "Take the next turn left" etc. - she needs one badly.[/quote] Does it do 'next turn right' for people going the wrong way along a motorway?
pd wrote:
Got a Satnav going cheap - "Take the next turn left" etc. - she needs one badly.
Does it do 'next turn right' for people going the wrong way along a motorway?
Posted by: Ashes, Blackburn on 5:43pm Wed 26 Mar 08
If the police are taking no action at this stage,what is to stop this woman collecting her car and doing the same thing again? She should have been treated the same as everyone else to prevent further accidents and charged with dangerous driving and given bail conditions not to drive. It could take a while for DVLA to make arrangements to test her ability to drive. The courts can decide to deal with her leniently when she gets there but at least no one else will be at risk.
If the police are taking no action at this stage,what is to stop this woman collecting her car and doing the same thing again? She should have been treated the same as everyone else to prevent further accidents and charged with dangerous driving and given bail conditions not to drive. It could take a while for DVLA to make arrangements to test her ability to drive. The courts can decide to deal with her leniently when she gets there but at least no one else will be at risk.
Posted by: mr harwood, hard shoulder on 5:56pm Wed 26 Mar 08
her friend at bingo asked her to find the best thing coming out of blackburn!!!!!!!!!
when the police stopped her,she told them that she did....
THE M65!!!!!!!
her friend at bingo asked her to find the best thing coming out of blackburn!!!!!!!!!
when the police stopped her,she told them that she did....
THE M65!!!!!!!
Posted by: carry on, off M on 7:08pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Martha carry on driving anyone can make a mistake and nobody was hurt,Yours was a genuine mistake not like most who cut down or reverse down side street,Most of these hypocrites has probably drove with drink in them knowing they are over the limit,Or picked kids up from a location and parked on double yellows,Stress heads
Martha carry on driving anyone can make a mistake and nobody was hurt,Yours was a genuine mistake not like most who cut down or reverse down side street,Most of these hypocrites has probably drove with drink in them knowing they are over the limit,Or picked kids up from a location and parked on double yellows,Stress heads
[quote][bold]carry on[/bold] wrote:
Martha carry on driving anyone can make a mistake and nobody was hurt,Yours was a genuine mistake not like most who cut down or reverse down side street,Most of these hypocrites has probably drove with drink in them knowing they are over the limit,Or picked kids up from a location and parked on double yellows,Stress heads[/quote] Carry on driving??? this woman drove the wrong way down a motorway am I missing something??? this is not an easy mistake to make?? I'm only a learner driver but know that an exit road does not double back on itself which this one must have done if it is an exit of the M65 and from reading the comments from other drivers who were there at the time I think she knew she was in the wrong and thought 'I'll just carry and if anyone pulls me over I'll just play the age card!!' I agree if this had been a teenage boy he would have had the book thrown a him!!! Also not everyone drives after drinking or parks on double yellows-maybe this is just a representation of the kind of people that 'carry on' has for friends!!!
carry on wrote:
Martha carry on driving anyone can make a mistake and nobody was hurt,Yours was a genuine mistake not like most who cut down or reverse down side street,Most of these hypocrites has probably drove with drink in them knowing they are over the limit,Or picked kids up from a location and parked on double yellows,Stress heads
Carry on driving??? this woman drove the wrong way down a motorway am I missing something??? this is not an easy mistake to make?? I'm only a learner driver but know that an exit road does not double back on itself which this one must have done if it is an exit of the M65 and from reading the comments from other drivers who were there at the time I think she knew she was in the wrong and thought 'I'll just carry and if anyone pulls me over I'll just play the age card!!' I agree if this had been a teenage boy he would have had the book thrown a him!!! Also not everyone drives after drinking or parks on double yellows-maybe this is just a representation of the kind of people that 'carry on' has for friends!!!
Posted by: StopWastedLives, Clitheroe on 10:34pm Wed 26 Mar 08
[quote][bold]carry on[/bold] wrote:
Martha carry on driving anyone can make a mistake and nobody was hurt,Yours was a genuine mistake not like most who cut down or reverse down side street,Most of these hypocrites has probably drove with drink in them knowing they are over the limit,Or picked kids up from a location and parked on double yellows,Stress heads[/quote] Are you for real?
To drive for 15 miles in the wrong direction is more than simply a mistake, it shows an outright fudemental lack of road sense and inability to respond to a hazardous situation. She was driving the wrong way for TWENTY minutes. How can this person be fit to drive on any road after that?
carry on wrote:
Martha carry on driving anyone can make a mistake and nobody was hurt,Yours was a genuine mistake not like most who cut down or reverse down side street,Most of these hypocrites has probably drove with drink in them knowing they are over the limit,Or picked kids up from a location and parked on double yellows,Stress heads
Are you for real?
To drive for 15 miles in the wrong direction is more than simply a mistake, it shows an outright fudemental lack of road sense and inability to respond to a hazardous situation. She was driving the wrong way for TWENTY minutes. How can this person be fit to drive on any road after that?
Posted by: totty, Lancashire on 11:09pm Wed 26 Mar 08
Read all these posts, keeping my views to myself but had to laugh at the one from Tim. He was in the slow lane doing about 70 - what speed were those in the fast lane doing then Tim? All breaking the speed limit on the motorway of course.
Read all these posts, keeping my views to myself but had to laugh at the one from Tim. He was in the slow lane doing about 70 - what speed were those in the fast lane doing then Tim? All breaking the speed limit on the motorway of course.
[bold]Martha should be thankful she didn't kill someone or herself.
This incident proves she shouldn't be driving and she most certainly should be prosecuted and made to re-sit her driving test.
If this had been a young driver this episode would have resulted in a prosecution without hesitation from the police.
They certainly wouldn't have took the softly softly approach. Shame on the police. [/bold]
Martha should be thankful she didn't kill someone or herself.
This incident proves she shouldn't be driving and she most certainly should be prosecuted and made to re-sit her driving test.
If this had been a young driver this episode would have resulted in a prosecution without hesitation from the police.
They certainly wouldn't have took the softly softly approach. Shame on the police.
Posted by: Give her a break.., lancs on 1:28am Thu 27 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Tony H[/bold] wrote:
Apparently Martha received a phone call from her family to warn her there was a driver going the wrong way on the motorway. Her reply was that there wasn\\\'t one but \\\"bloody hundreds of them\\\"[/quote] haha! good one tony.. surely there wasnt a major disaster this time..Don't any of your family grans etc get confused some times.This lady has been driving for many yrs to revoke her licence will be like taking her legs..She's independent.. maybe a driving lesson for her to get the new road signs etc right..maybe the length of time she drove this way was because she didnt know how to make the wrong right..Give some people a break..IF it's their first offence in so many years..
Tony H wrote:
Apparently Martha received a phone call from her family to warn her there was a driver going the wrong way on the motorway. Her reply was that there wasn't one but \\\"bloody hundreds of them\\\"
haha! good one tony.. surely there wasnt a major disaster this time..Don't any of your family grans etc get confused some times.This lady has been driving for many yrs to revoke her licence will be like taking her legs..She's independent.. maybe a driving lesson for her to get the new road signs etc right..maybe the length of time she drove this way was because she didnt know how to make the wrong right..Give some people a break..IF it's their first offence in so many years..
I'm stunned at the number of comments above saying things like 'give her a break' and 'anyone can make a mistake'
I'm a learner driver - I passed my theory and hazard perception tests and am waiting to sit my practical test. I've driven on Whitebirk Roundabout and the new layout is really easy to use and aids the flow of traffic perfectly well if you use your eyes. Martha should sit the Hazard Preception test I had to and if she fails it she should have her licence taken away - It's not rocket science.
Oh and there's no such thing as a 'slow' lane or 'fast' lane on a motorway. You should keep in the left lane unless you are overtaking. So 70mph in that lane is acceptable - of course those people had to react as if they were driving the equivilent of 110mph when they saw her coming. Thank goodness they were all good drivers
I'm stunned at the number of comments above saying things like 'give her a break' and 'anyone can make a mistake'
I'm a learner driver - I passed my theory and hazard perception tests and am waiting to sit my practical test. I've driven on Whitebirk Roundabout and the new layout is really easy to use and aids the flow of traffic perfectly well if you use your eyes. Martha should sit the Hazard Preception test I had to and if she fails it she should have her licence taken away - It's not rocket science.
Oh and there's no such thing as a 'slow' lane or 'fast' lane on a motorway. You should keep in the left lane unless you are overtaking. So 70mph in that lane is acceptable - of course those people had to react as if they were driving the equivilent of 110mph when they saw her coming. Thank goodness they were all good drivers
a different take on this....
23 yr old lad, 10pm, sober as a judge....driving the wrong way up the motorway for 1 miles...when stopped by police says " i feel so silly, didnt realise, no where to turn round"... copper says "its ok, on you go, here i'll even turn ur car round for you""
WHATEVER!
a different take on this....
23 yr old lad, 10pm, sober as a judge....driving the wrong way up the motorway for 1 miles...when stopped by police says " i feel so silly, didnt realise, no where to turn round"... copper says "its ok, on you go, here i'll even turn ur car round for you""
Posted by: Mal, The Metropolis on 11:11am Thu 27 Mar 08
Happened to me on the M6 a few years back - some silly old fool nearly wiped out me and my family. Fortunately I managed to swerve at the last minute and avoid a head-on smash. All the police said was "it was an elderly Gentleman who was confused. We escorted him off the motorway and issued him with a caution".
Don't fine the poor old dear, but treat it with the seriousness it deserves - she should NEVER get her licence back.
Like other comments on here - it would be interesting to see what a young male driver would've been given - a nice telling off and a "i'll turn your car around for you" - I think not!!!
Happened to me on the M6 a few years back - some silly old fool nearly wiped out me and my family. Fortunately I managed to swerve at the last minute and avoid a head-on smash. All the police said was "it was an elderly Gentleman who was confused. We escorted him off the motorway and issued him with a caution".
Don't fine the poor old dear, but treat it with the seriousness it deserves - she should NEVER get her licence back.
Like other comments on here - it would be interesting to see what a young male driver would've been given - a nice telling off and a "i'll turn your car around for you" - I think not!!!
Posted by: Alice Nutter, Pendle Hill on 11:47am Thu 27 Mar 08
Well, I see Martha has made the national headlines, there is an article about her on the Daily Mirror website, apparently she has been known to travel the wrong way before and her sister refuses to get in a car with her as she thinks she is not fit to drive. Her sister has been telling her for the past 2 years that she should give her car up! I really hope the police are going to look into this further and she is prosecuted
Well, I see Martha has made the national headlines, there is an article about her on the Daily Mirror website, apparently she has been known to travel the wrong way before and her sister refuses to get in a car with her as she thinks she is not fit to drive. Her sister has been telling her for the past 2 years that she should give her car up! I really hope the police are going to look into this further and she is prosecuted
Posted by: Captain Battenburg, In yer mirror! on 11:59am Thu 27 Mar 08
Here are a couple of questions for all those who took the opportunity here to criticise the police action.
1. How would you go about stopping a vehicle travelling the wrong way down the motorway in the safest possible manner?
2. What would be the most suitable 'punishment' for this lady ?
It would be interesting to find out what your ideas are.
Here are a couple of questions for all those who took the opportunity here to criticise the police action.
1. How would you go about stopping a vehicle travelling the wrong way down the motorway in the safest possible manner?
2. What would be the most suitable 'punishment' for this lady ?
It would be interesting to find out what your ideas are.
The most suitable punishment for this lady would be to take her licence off her never to drive again, i dont drive and i use public transport so i dont see why she cant.
It gets you to A and B ok and im 40 years younger.
Its only a matter of time before something happens again with her but this time either she or some other inocent person is killed.
Like i said before if it was my son who was to do this at 19 and said he was confused he would have had the book thrown at him no questions asked.
[bold]bold[/bold]
The most suitable punishment for this lady would be to take her licence off her never to drive again, i dont drive and i use public transport so i dont see why she cant.
It gets you to A and B ok and im 40 years younger.
Its only a matter of time before something happens again with her but this time either she or some other inocent person is killed.
Like i said before if it was my son who was to do this at 19 and said he was confused he would have had the book thrown at him no questions asked.
I think that the laws should be changed so that everyone over 60 has to take a test every 2 years, it is ludicruious that an 81 year old lady can drive the wrong way down a motorway she was luck that no-one was killed, and I agree with Lydia if that was one of our sons or daughters of a younger age group they would be looking at a high fine and loss of licence. take her licence away now. do not wait till she appears in court, that could take weeks and she could do it again tomorrow.
I think that the laws should be changed so that everyone over 60 has to take a test every 2 years, it is ludicruious that an 81 year old lady can drive the wrong way down a motorway she was luck that no-one was killed, and I agree with Lydia if that was one of our sons or daughters of a younger age group they would be looking at a high fine and loss of licence. take her licence away now. do not wait till she appears in court, that could take weeks and she could do it again tomorrow.
lets face it 50% of drivers on are roads should not be there just think how empty the roads would be if them idiots were taken off the roads it would sort the congestion out any one making a driving offences make them re take there test sorted
lets face it 50% of drivers on are roads should not be there just think how empty the roads would be if them idiots were taken off the roads it would sort the congestion out any one making a driving offences make them re take there test sorted
[quote][bold]top cat[/bold] wrote:
keep old peole off road,there hazards...any1 over 65 sholdnt be driving,there sense arnt the same...[/quote] Good driving is as much about attitude as control skills. The blanket discrimination within your comments suggest you should make an honest appraisal of your own driving (a few English lessons wouldn't go amiss either)
top cat wrote:
keep old peole off road,there hazards...any1 over 65 sholdnt be driving,there sense arnt the same...
Good driving is as much about attitude as control skills. The blanket discrimination within your comments suggest you should make an honest appraisal of your own driving (a few English lessons wouldn't go amiss either)
Posted by: Tony JR, Nelson on 11:17pm Fri 28 Mar 08
[quote][bold]Tony H[/bold] wrote:
Apparently Martha received a phone call from her family to warn her there was a driver going the wrong way on the motorway. Her reply was that there wasn't one but "bloody hundreds of them"[/quote] HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA i honestly cant stop laughing after this comment.
Tony H wrote:
Apparently Martha received a phone call from her family to warn her there was a driver going the wrong way on the motorway. Her reply was that there wasn't one but "bloody hundreds of them"
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA i honestly cant stop laughing after this comment.
[quote][bold]Alice Nutter[/bold] wrote:
Well, I see Martha has made the national headlines, there is an article about her on the Daily Mirror website, apparently she has been known to travel the wrong way before and her sister refuses to get in a car with her as she thinks she is not fit to drive. Her sister has been telling her for the past 2 years that she should give her car up! I really hope the police are going to look into this further and she is prosecuted[/quote] If this is true then the book really should be thrown at her!
Alice Nutter wrote:
Well, I see Martha has made the national headlines, there is an article about her on the Daily Mirror website, apparently she has been known to travel the wrong way before and her sister refuses to get in a car with her as she thinks she is not fit to drive. Her sister has been telling her for the past 2 years that she should give her car up! I really hope the police are going to look into this further and she is prosecuted
If this is true then the book really should be thrown at her!
[quote][bold]totty[/bold] wrote:
Read all these posts, keeping my views to myself but had to laugh at the one from Tim. He was in the slow lane doing about 70 - what speed were those in the fast lane doing then Tim? All breaking the speed limit on the motorway of course. [/quote] You sound to me like a middle lane hogger. Read your highway code Totty, the motorway speed limit is 70mph and you are supposed to keep to the LEFT lane. The motorway was quiet so Tim was therefore driving correctly.
totty wrote:
Read all these posts, keeping my views to myself but had to laugh at the one from Tim. He was in the slow lane doing about 70 - what speed were those in the fast lane doing then Tim? All breaking the speed limit on the motorway of course.
You sound to me like a middle lane hogger. Read your highway code Totty, the motorway speed limit is 70mph and you are supposed to keep to the LEFT lane. The motorway was quiet so Tim was therefore driving correctly.
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