Perthshire OAP’s first driving rap

Aug 29 2008 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A PERTHSHIRE pensioner blotted his 65-year unblemished driving record when he pulled out into the path of another car on a notorious stretch of the A9.

But Second World War veteran Graham Davies (86), of Drumgrain Avenue, Methven, could well escape a driving ban when he returns to Perth Sheriff Court for sentence on September 16.

For Sheriff Robert McCreadie said this week: “I am satisfied there’s nothing to indicate he’s unfit to drive.”

Satisfactory reports had been received from a driving instructor, who had taken him out, as well as from an optician.

The Sheriff, however, wants to clarify the exact circumstances of the smash which happened on the Stirling-Perth road on May 19.

Davies collided with a car driven by David Robertson at the junction with the unclassified road leading to Tibbermore.

Depute fiscal Charmaine Cole said that a white van was being driven east on the Stirling-Perth road about 2.15pm that day and indicated it was going to turn left into the Tibbermore Road.

A BMW, which was directly behind it, pulled out into the offside lane to overtake.

At that point, both these drivers saw Davies approach the junction on the unclassified road.

Mr Robertson, the BMW driver, was aware that the accused was intending to cross the carriageway but was concerned that he hadn’t seen him.

After seeing the van driver indicate to turn left, the accused made his right-hand turn across the carriageway but failed to notice Mr Robertson – and both vehicles collided.

Ms Cole said that a number of other vehicles stopped at the scene and the emergency services were called.

“Police took a statement from the accused and he admitted he had failed to observe Mr Robertson’s vehicle,” she added.

“He was cautioned and charged and replied: ‘I took all necessary precautions. I don’t accept that.’”

Solicitor David Holmes said that the accused had travelled from Methven to Stirling each week for three years, sometimes twice a day, and had successfully emerged from that junction on at least 150 occasions.

He had been driving for approximately 65 years, without endorsement, and was a very careful driver.

He accepted responsibility for the accident and had looked to his right to check everything was clear.

But he hadn’t seen the car as it had been obscured by the white van.

Davies had served in the RAF for 36 years, seeing service in Egypt during the Second World War.

Deferring sentence until next month, Sheriff Robert McCreadie said: “I find it difficult to understand why he did not see this car.

“A prudent driver would have waited until the white van was completely off the carriageway before crossing.”

The Sheriff wants the Crown to investigate more fully why Mr Robertson was concerned that the accused hadn’t seen him.