Hero trucker shields pensioner driving mobility scooter on busy stretch of motorway

A quick-thinking driver used his truck to shield a reckless pensioner seen driving[1] her mobility scooter on a busy motorway. Concerns were raised after the elderly woman drove her single-seater onto a 50mph stretch of the A38 (M) in Birmingham[2]. A recovery truck driver, who happened to be passing by, spotted the pensioner weaving in and out of traffic[3].

He quickly turned on his lights before following her in the lane behind to protect her from traffic. Police have praised his actions after the woman was brought to safety. Some have described him as a "hero" and say he deserves and award.

But not everyone was pleased. The women herself is said to have "flipped him the finger" when he tried to herd her away from danger. West Midlands Police[4] confirmed she was safe and that she has been reminded about driving scooters safely.

The driver's wife, who said her husband wants to remain anonymous, told BirminghamLive[6] he put his lights on and escorted her the entire way before police arrived. "My husband phoned police to alert them," she said. "He said she didn't look unduly distressed or worried. In fact, she flipped him the finger when he tried to herd her off near Aston. [We're] just glad she's safe."

A police spokesperson said: "We'd like to thank everyone who called us to report a mobility scooter on the A38(M). We'd especially like to thank the driver of a recovery truck who used his vehicle to shield the woman and warn others of the danger, along with National Highways colleagues who activated traffic warning signs and go-slows on the road. Our officers reminded the woman about driving scooters safely and carried out checks on her well-being."

Readers have also praised the driver's actions. Gaynor Cotterill wrote on Facebook[7]: "That driver who protected her deserves an award." Agreeing, Angela Lomas said: "Thank goodness for that angel in the pick-up truck." Marie Durber-Reeves added: "Well done to the recovery driver for his time and patience." Others praised the pensioner, despite her recklessness.

Jessica Bricknall said "I hope I'm like this when I'm old" while Joanne Hodge wrote "Go girl!".

Kevin Pearson quipped: "Gotta love the Midlands."

References

1. ^ driving (www.mirror.co.uk)
2. ^ Birmingham (www.mirror.co.uk)
3. ^ traffic (www.mirror.co.uk)
4. ^ West Midlands Police (www.mirror.co.uk)
5. ^ I bought a set of 'incredible' LED strip lights for my TV and they're reduced for Black Friday (www.mirror.co.uk)
6. ^ BirminghamLive (www.birminghammail.co.uk)
7. ^ Facebook (www.mirror.co.uk)