THE unfortunate incident that resulted in the death of a pensioner at Winterbourne Abbas has highlighted the possibilities and risks of the elderly driving with potentially undiagnosed medical conditions.

The possible catastrophic effects of falling ill at the wheel of two tonnes of metal at speeds of up to 70mph should be remembered.

I must, of course, point out that we do not yet know the full facts surrounding the tragic death of the man in the Winterbourne accident.

Recently, South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust carried out a ‘know your blood pressure’ campaign and found a considerable number of the 2,000 people checked were suffering from undiagnosed high blood pressure.

Long-term hypertension can have devastating effects such as severely disabling and life-threatening strokes which can happen faster than a driver can pull over and park safely.

We are also more prone to atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) in old age that, if undetected, can cause blood clots which can fatally affect the heart, lungs and brain.

Even mild infections such as a chest or urinary-tract infection can develop rapidly in the elderly, whose resistance to such strains is reduced.

Every person has the right to freedom no matter how old we get, but regular visits to the doctor and simple preventative medications, such as anti-hypertensives, anti-coagulants and anti-biotics can reduce the risks of becoming ill at the wheel.

I implore all elderly drivers to get regular medical check-ups, and don't let a car crash be the first sign that something is wrong. After all, it might not be just your life that you put at risk.

Adam Collinge, Paramedic, South Western Ambulance Sevice.