The UK Government has said it will do “everything it possibly can” to ensure that the death of a toddler who was killed by a driver with dementia never happens again.
Three-year-old Xander Irvine died after he was hit by a Kia Picanto car while out walking with his mum, Victoria, on Morningside Road, Edinburgh, on June 30, 2020.
Speaking exclusively to STV News about their son’s death, Victoria and her husband Paul said their life changed forever on the day of the crash.
The car was being driven by then 91-year-old Edith Duncan whom, a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) in the city’s sheriff court heard earlier this year, was performing a turning manoeuvre when she accelerated and struck Xander and Victoria.
Xander later died at Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children from “multiple injuries”.
STV NewsSheriff Nigel Ross concluded Ms Duncan, who had dementia, lost control of her car during the turning manoeuvre which caused the vehicle to mount the pavement, striking Xander and his mother.
He said in a written FAI determination this loss of control was “entirely caused” by Ms Duncan’s “inability” to perform safely “what would otherwise have been a routine turning manoeuvre”.
He added the collision could have been avoided if Ms Duncan’s cognitive ability been properly assessed and had authorities subsequently moved to revoke her driving licence.
Ms Duncan, who was facing prosecution for the incident, died a year after the crash.
The Sheriff Principal at Xander’s Fatal Accident Inquiry called for drivers over the age of 80 should face a cognitive assessment to keep their license. Currently, those over 70 can self-certify their fitness to drive.
His parents believe any changes made to legislation would be what “Xander deserves.”
STV NewsScottish secretary Ian Murray has met with the toddler’s parents and has taken their case directly to his Cabinet colleague, the secretary of state for transport.
On Wednesday the Edinburgh South MP told STV News it’s important that the recommendations from Xander’s FAI are followed through – but that any changes must be done properly.
He said: “The DVLA has consultation in terms of medical and cognitive tests for older people and it’s really important for us to make sure that those recommendations are followed through.
“So we’ll do this as quickly as possible. I think the really important thing though, given the complexity of this to do it right and do it properly.
“That way the memory of Xander Irvine will be that this never happens to another child again.”
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