Acting Premier Ben Carroll says Wantirna South crash tragedy puts retesting of elderly drivers back on agenda

Acting Premier Ben Carroll says the Wantirna South tragedy, that saw a 91-year-old driver plough into a toddler and his grandparents, has put focus back onto the debate around retesting elderly drivers.

Acting Premier Ben Carroll has signalled his support for retesting elderly drivers to ensure they are fit to get behind the wheel following a deadly crash in Melbourne’s east.

As authorities investigate after a 91-year-old woman ploughed into grandparents and their two-year-old grandson at a Wantirna South playground, Mr Carroll on Friday said the government should consider additional testing for elderly drivers.

A 59-year-old grandmother was killed and her husband and grandson injured when the out-of-control car mounted the footpath on Thursday afternoon.

Following the tragedy, Mr Carroll was asked whether Victoria should adopt testing similar to other states, such as NSW.

“In relation to people who are elderly and driving, I think it is a valid question … around testing,” he said.

“Having said that, there will be a thorough investigation underway and we will wait for that to run its course.”

The car smashed through a fence into a playground, coming to a stop after hitting a park bench. Picture: David Crosling

Detectives try to recreate the path of the car at the scene. Picture: David Crosling

The scene of the crash on Friday morning Picture: NewsWire/Ian Currie

A broken pair of glasses on the path where the pedestrians were hit. Picture: Ian Currie

Locals lay flowers at the scene of the tragedy. Picture: Ian Currie

Mr Carroll said he would consult with Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne.

“I think this, no doubt, this tragedy has brought it into focus,” he said.

“We do need to look at this.”

A Victorian government spokesman, however, said there were no current plans underway to introduce testing for elderly drivers.

Unlike in Victoria where older drivers are not required to undergo any tests, in NSW drivers over the age of 85 must get a yearly medical assessment and sit a driving test every two years.

In WA, drivers must also undergo a medical assessment every year from 80 onwards and may be asked for a doctor to sit a test, while in Queensland older drivers must carry a “completed and current medical certificate”.

The 91-year-old driver, who sustained only minor injuries during the crash on Thursday, was taken to hospital as a precaution.

Authorities said it was unclear whether she suffered a medical episode.

She is expected to be interviewed by police in coming days.