A coroner has raised 'significant concerns' after an inquest heard that a driver who fainted at the wheel killed a couple. Gareth Evans, 70, and his wife Patricia, 68, died in a head-on collision on the Stainburn Bypass in Great Clifton, Cumbria, on 13 February 2023.
The driver, David Henderson, 45, had a history of blackouts and had been advised by a cardiologist not to drive. He had also failed to notify the DVLA about his condition, including having a pacemaker fitted. Assistant Coroner Robert Cohen said he would write to the DVLA and the Secretary of State for Transport calling for action.
Henderson was later jailed for 88 months after being convicted of causing death by dangerous driving. The inquest heard that he had previously had his licence revoked but it was reinstated before the required 12-month episode-free period. He also crashed due to a medical episode in January 2022 and was told not to drive, but did not inform the DVLA.
The Evanses, from Cockermouth, were on their way to lead a bell-ringing session at a church. They met at Oxford University's bell-ringing society and were described by their family as 'wonderful parents' and 'devoted to each other'. More than 300 people attended their funeral.
Coroner Cohen said the case, along with another fatal crash involving a medically unfit driver the previous day, raised concerns about the current system where the onus is on the driver to declare disabilities. He added that 'the arrogant desperation of some people to drive is such that they are willing to take extraordinary risks'.
