Geoffrey Frank Taylor · Prevention of Future Deaths report

Geoffrey Frank Taylor (Date of birth 24.06.1932) of Gib Lane, Blackburn, Lancashire died in a road traffic collision while visiting Cornwall on 8th August 2016. The case was referred to the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Coroner and after a post mortem, an inquest was opened on 17th August 2017. The inquest was heard at Truro Municipal Buildings on 20th June 2016. The cause of death was recorded as 1a) Cardiac rupture; 1b) Multiple rib fractures perforating right ventricle/atrium; 1c) Motor Vehicle Collision; 2) Cholecystitis, Cerebrovascular and Coronary Atherosclerosis.

Geoffrey Taylor was in Cornwall to watch a performance of his music by a Swedish Choir at Truro Cathedral. On the 8th August 2016, Mr Taylor was driving a Toyota Ayro hire car registration number ████████ on the A30 from Loggans Moor roundabout towards St Erth. He parked in the roadside layby. At just before 16.38 pm, for unknown reasons, Mr Taylor attempted to carry out a “U” turn manoeuvre across oncoming traffic from both directions. As his vehicle crossed into lane two of the two southbound carriageways, it was struck by a white Peugeot Partner van registration number ████████ which was travelling in the same direction despite attempting to take evasive action. As a result of the collision, Mr Taylor sustained fatal injuries and despite medical support was recognized dead at the scene at 17.05.

Mr Taylor was 75 years old and had a number of health issues which had caused him to voluntarily surrendered his licence on a number of occasions in the past. He legally held a driving licence at the time of his death.

At the inquest concerns were raised by the police and family members as to the criteria required by the DVLA and Department of Transport for the issuing and surrendering of driving licences. In this case Mr Taylor had voluntarily given up his licence after medical events on a number of occasions. It was considered that a good number of drivers may not have given up their licence for fear or losing their independence putting their own health and other at risk. There was further concern that the driver’s GP could have a conflict of interests in such situations as they would have a duty to inform the DVLA of medical issues which can affect a person’s ability to drive, which could result in deterioration of the GP relationship with the patient.

This was thought to be of particular concern in the elderly who may or may not have insight into their failing health (e.g. eye sight, immobility) and who would be reluctant to voluntarily surrender their licence or inform their GP of significant medical events which would result in the surrendering of their licence.