Couple rescued as car overturns
An elderly couple needed hospital treatment after their car overturned in Patchway.
Great Western Ambulance Service received several 999 calls to the incident on the A38 Gloucester Road at 3.43pm on Friday.
It is believed the couple had been pulling out of a petrol station and clipped another car, causing their Vauxhall Corsa to roll on to its side.
Both patients were found to be uninjured and managed to get out of the car through a window with the help of paramedics and Avon Fire and Rescue Service.
They were taken to Frenchay Hospital to be checked over.
Police were also there and traffic was held up for an hour. Ambulance service spokesman Chris Hewett said: "It was of great benefit having the critical care team on hand."
"It meant the doctor was able to clear the couple of any spinal injuries which, in turn, meant the whole incident could be dealt with much quicker, enabling the road to be re-opened and also allowed the couple to stay together and travel to hospital in the same ambulance."
6 Comments
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by KB, Bristol, England
Tuesday, March 24 2009, 1:24PM
“I think ALL drivers should be subject to periodic tests and medicals.
We all develop bad driving habits, and many develop health conditions which could affect their ability to drive”
by Howard Cain, Somerset
Sunday, March 22 2009, 6:55PM
“I agree. We hear that the biggest killers of young men is car crashes. So much so that they are known in some circles as "organ donors on wheels". Perhaps we need tougher tests and tougher enforcement across the board. Unless someone can come up with a more effective way of reducing the scandalous death and injury rate on our roads?”
by Joe, Bristol
Sunday, March 22 2009, 11:41AM
“I believe we should be looking at both ends of the age spectrum, sure, a 30 minute test for the over 60s,and raise the minimum driving age to 21.”
by Anne, Bristol
Sunday, March 22 2009, 8:27AM
“It doesn't need to be a long test, like the original test. Just a 15 minute drive to prove their "competence to drive".
I know two drivers in their 60's who really should not be driving, but am loathe to report them. One just cannot park unless there's a 10 metre gap, because he can't turn his head properly. The other is just not "with it" as she potters along at 20mph everywhere, pulling out with properly looking, and having regular 'scrapes' with cars, because she just isn't aware of what's going on around her.
Both of those divers are in good health, so a "Health Certificate" would be of no use in ensuring their competence to drive.”
by Adrian, Bristol
Sunday, March 22 2009, 2:10AM
“A driving test is a bit over the top I would think a medical should be taken before you get your licence and again at 40 and every 5yrs till the age of 65 then every yr after that same as HGV drivers.”