Coach driver dies in freeway crash as vehicle rams into median after he suffered 'medical episode' at the wheel
LONDON, UK: Following a "medical episode, a 78-year-old coach driver crashed his vehicle on the M25 and died. The said tragic death occurred this morning, Sunday, September 4, on the M25 freeway after a 78-year-old bus driver crashed his vehicle. It is believed that he had a medical incident while driving, which caused him to drive across three lanes and into the median. The tragedy occurred around 8.55 am local time as the Mercedes Benz bus approached Junction 14, which leads to Heathrow Airport and the M4. Its car eventually landed on the hard shoulder of the freeway. Six passengers on the bus, four women in their late teens, and two teenage girls suffered minor injuries. However, they did not require hospital treatment.
According to the Daily Mail, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident despite the best efforts of the South Central Ambulance Service. Although no suspicious circumstances are suspected, Thames Valley Police are asking any possible witnesses to come forward and provide information. According to PC Jonathan Housby, the investigating officer for the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, “Firstly, our thoughts are with the man’s loved ones and everyone else involved in this road traffic collision. It is thought to have been caused by a medical episode and is not being treated as suspicious at this time."
READ MORE
3 youngsters die in fiery crash as 'impaired' driver hits guard rail in high-speed chase with police
Family vacation turns into tragedy as horrific car crash kills couple and 15-year-old son
“I am appealing for any witnesses to this incident to please come forward. I’d also ask anyone with a dash-cam who was in the area just prior to or at the time of the collision to check any footage in case it has captured something that could help our investigation. You can make a report online, or by calling 101, quoting reference 43220397531. Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website,” he added. According to Patient.info, there are endless medical problems that can affect your ability to drive safely, both temporary and permanent. Failing eyesight, poor balance or coordination, issues with memory or concentration, lack of muscle strength or control, reaction times, pain, and drowsiness, all can affect your safety on the road.
Meanwhile, to reduce the risks while driving, coach driver rules say, if your working day is less than 8 hours 30 minutes, you must take a break after 5 hours 30 minutes of driving. The break must last 30 minutes or longer. If your working day is 8 hours 30 minutes or more, you must not drive for more than 7 hours and 45 minutes. You must also take breaks that add up to at least 45 minutes. If you work more than 8 hours 30 minutes, you must take an extra break before you finish working. The extra break must last 30 minutes or longer. You must not work more than 16 hours between the times of starting and finishing work including the times when you’re not driving.
