A stroll by the sea has turned into a nightmare this weekend in Pirou, Normandy. An octogenarian driver lost control of his car going down to the beach, violently hitting several walkers. Two people died and two others are still between life and death, according to the prosecution.
The hypothesis of discomfort while driving
A drama occurred on Saturday afternoon, when a car led by an 81-year-old man, victim of a probable discomfort, struck several pedestrians on the seafront. A woman died on the spot and another septuagenarian succumbed to her injuries in the night from Saturday to Sunday, while two other people remain hospitalized in a state deemed concerning. The vehicle, launched at high speed, crossed panels, hedges and a restaurant terrace before mowing the victims and finishing its race on the terrace of a pizzeria, fortunately closed for vacation.
According to Gauthier Poupeau, the public prosecutor of Coutances specifies in a press release that “Alcohol searches and drug products proved to be negative (…) The first elements collected and the hearings carried out, in particular of the passenger of the vehicle, ordered the investigations towards an involuntary act resulting from the discomfort of the driver, his foot being held on the accelerator“.
Senior drivers more exposed to serious accidents
Recent road safety figures show that overall mortality decreases, but not among seniors. Between 65 and 74 years old, there are 50 deaths per million inhabitants, against a national average of 48. In 75 year olds and over, this figure climbs to 77 deaths per million. Faced with these statistics, a bill had been presented in 2017, then in 2023, then in 2025 to establish a compulsory medical examination for drivers over 70 years, but it was still rejected. The subject remains sensitive as the population ages.
The alert signals that must worry
Dr. Gérald Kierzek, Medical Director of True Medical, recalls that age can directly affect the capacities necessary for driving: “No, we do not keep all of his abilities to drive after 80 years. After a number of years, we lose our agility, visual and auditory acuity, our evaluation of distances is deteriorating … not to mention certain treatments that can play on our attention“.
According to him, three signs must be monitored:
- “”The first factor to be monitored is the alteration of cognitive functions: even light memory, attention or judgment disorders must alert, as they compromise the ability to make rapid and appropriate decisions while driving“;
- Certain pathologies such as major visual disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, uncontrolled epilepsy, stroke of stroke, unstable diabetes or severe psychiatric disorders are incompatible with driving;
- Finally, the condition of the vehicle can be revealing: scratches, repeated shocks, hesitations at crossroads or non-compliance with the highway code. “”In the presence of these symptoms or diseases, it is recommended to consult a doctor to assess driving ability and, if necessary, consider stopping driving to preserve the safety of“Concludes Dr. Kierzek.