Elderly driver causes crash on Australian highway after making U-turn into traffic

Footage of a 93-year-old driver attempting to U-turn across lanes of traffic has sparked a debate into the safety of aging motorists on modern roads. The clip, which was shared on the Dash Cam Owners Australia Facebook page, shows the elderly man attempting an illegal and highly dangerous turn on a one-way stretch of highway in Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales, Australia.

The 24-year old driving the filming car, Sophie Louise, told local newspaper the Illawarra Mercury of her terror as the car turned across her path.

See also: Driver causes car to crash after making illegal U-turn

See also: Bikers come close to car after U-turn

"I tried the best I could to avoid it but he's extremely lucky I was able to move over as much as I could. I had nowhere to go," she said.

"I thought I was going to die."

The footage shows the elderly motorist's red Mitsubishi Lancer turning from lane 1 over to where Louise was driving in lane 4. The car ahead of her managed to swerve out of the way just in time, but Louise was left with no other option but to T-bone the Mitsubishi.

Both Louise and the driver she hit were taken by ambulance to Wollongong Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries – her for whiplash, him for facial injuries.

The video sparked a debate on the Dashcam Owners Australia Facebook page, with commenters suggesting older motorists should have their licences revoked.

"Take that licence straight off him!" commented one. "A certain age and licences should be revoked permanently... no questions asked!"

"People who perform crazy dangerous manoeuvres like that shouldn't be on the roads," said another. "And while it's a stereotype, I suspect that being 93 had something to do with it."

But others shifted some blame towards the driver with the camera, with one saying: "Wonder if it would have ended differently if the dash cam driver had also left a safe braking distance from the guy in front. Was less than one second behind..."