An elderly woman hitting the accelerator instead of the brake in her automatic car resulted in a talented performer’s life being tragically cut short after she was run over on the driveway of her grandmother’s Newchurch home, an inquest has heard.
30-year-old Rachael Mary Stratton was killed on 23rd June 2020 when 88-year-old Joan Daphne Buckett was manoeuvring her Toyota Yaris on the driveway of a property owned by Joy Sandell – Rachael’s grandmother. Rachael had only recently moved back to the Island from London as a result of the pandemic lockdown, deciding to live with her parents in Shanklin.
An inquest held on Friday (22nd July) heard how the professional actress, singer and dancer was crouched down painting furniture that she was upcycling when she was struck by the vehicle, which was described as surging forwards at great speed leaving Rachael no time to react. The furniture was set to go into Rachael’s new home as she was planning to move in with her boyfriend, Richard Morris.
Rachael died as a result of a head injury after being crushed between the front of the Toyota Yaris and a fence. Despite medics doing everything they could, the 30-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene by doctors from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Air Ambulance around 50 minutes after the fatal collision. The family heard during Friday’s inquest that Rachael would have been unaware of what had happened and would have instantaneously become unconscious.
The events that led to the 30-year-old’s death over 2 years ago were detailed during the inquest, which was conducted by Senior Coroner for the Isle of Wight, Caroline Sumeray.
It was at around 16:30 on 23rd June 2020 that 88-year-old Joan Buckett, of Victoria Avenue in Shanklin, was preparing to leave her friend’s property at Hedge End, off the High Street in Newchurch, after popping around for a cup of tea – something she did 4 times a week prior to lockdown. Joan and Joyce had been friends since 1967.
Everything was fine until Mrs Buckett attempted to reverse off the driveway… Deciding better of reversing onto the main road, she moved forward to reposition herself. She either ignored or didn’t hear calls from the Strattons to wait for some assistance. It’s at this point that, the coroner concluded, Mrs Buckett must have put her foot on the wrong pedal sending the car forwards at speed.
Witness statements read out in the courtroom described how all of a sudden ‘mega revs’ could be heard and the car surged forward around 10-12ft before ploughing into Rachael and coming to rest a further 3-4ft down the driveway against a fence.
The Yaris also collided with Rachael’s mother, Judith, who escaped with bruises. She now struggles to cope with cars manoeuvring in car parks.
When the vehicle came to a stop Mrs Buckett had her foot to the floor on the accelerator and was sat there with a blank stare on her face, described as ‘weird’ and ‘looking like she didn’t know what was going on’. She was removed from the vehicle and taken inside Mrs Sandall’s home, not before being yelled at and called a ‘stupid bitch’.
The car was eventually pulled back – after being placed into neutral – by Rachael’s father, Mark, and neighbours Alan Deadman, Stuart Jones and Mark Hardy, who had rushed to the scene alongside Julie and Sarah Warne after hearing screaming and tyres screeching.
Following the tragic events of June 2020, Hampshire Constabulary had sought to bring criminal charges against Joan Buckett, with offences such as gross negligence manslaughter, death by careless driving and wanton or furious driving all explored. However, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) determined that there was no realistic prospect of conviction as the offence did not take place on a public road. This was appealed by the Strattons but the decision was upheld on review.
The decision to pursue criminal charges came as a result of a forensic investigation into the crash, which concluded there was no mechanical defect with the vehicle and that Mrs Buckett had simply pressed the wrong pedal, directly resulting in Rachael’s death.
A report from the forensic crash investigator stated that drivers over 80 are 5x more likely to make a pedal error and on this occasion, Mrs Buckett didn’t have time to correct her error. A medical episode was ruled out.
Mrs Buckett – who wears 2 hearing aids and gets around with the assistance of a walking stick – is now 90 years old and has surrendered her driving licence, which she held for around 67 years. In a statement in September 2020, Mrs Buckett said she was ‘utterly devasted’ over the crash and in an unwanted letter to Judith Stratton said that her heart was breaking, noting that nothing she wrote could change anything.
After being told of the CPS’ decision not to charge Mrs Buckett in November 2021, Rachael’s family approached Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely about seeking a change in the law to close the loophole, but the Government has confirmed it has no intention to change the law as it stands. In response, the Strattons have said ‘we won’t give up’.
Coroner Caroline Sumeray recorded a short narrative conclusion, as she was not satisfied that Road Traffic Collision sufficed given that the incident did not occur on a road, as previously reinforced by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Mrs Sumeray made a public service announcement calling for lessons to be learnt from this tragic incident, stating that those who drive past their prime and stubbornly hang on to their licence should consider when it’s time to stop.
A tribute from Rachael’s family was read out in court, with an album of Rachael’s life handed over to the Coroner who described it as ‘an emotional book to look at’. You can read the Stratton family’s full tribute at https://www.islandecho.co.uk/rachael-stratton-a-shining-star/.
Following Friday’s inquest, the Stratton family issued the following statement:
“Rachael was just 30 when she was killed. She has been robbed of a long and blissfully happy life surrounded by family and friends who are now left totally bereft and completely lost without her.
“We are, and always have been aware that Mrs Buckett did not get into her car intending to do harm that day. But regardless of this, she killed Rachael. It is our understanding that, had the incident occurred on a road it is likely that she would have faced a charge of death by careless, if not dangerous driving, as a result. But, because the accident happened on a private driveway, Mrs Buckett can not be prosecuted under the existing Road Traffic Act.
“In light of this we call for a change to the Road Traffic Act to include prosecution for incidents occurring on private driveways and gardens. We also feel that mandatory testing of older drivers beyond the age of 70, to ascertain whether or not they have the competencies to retain their driving licence, should be introduced.
“Any change to current law would be a lengthy process but there are things we can all do now. If you know of someone who you feel should no longer be driving, have that conversation with them and encourage them to relinquish their license. Believe us when we say that this difficult conversation could save another family from facing a lifetime of grief, devastation and heartbreak.
“If you are one of the many people who know deep down that they should not be driving any more, please STOP. Don’t risk putting your friends and family in the position where they have to support you for the rest of your days as you struggle to live with the blood of an innocent person on your hands.
“Our beautiful Rachael has been taken from us and the trauma of witnessing the violent and completely avoidable death of our daughter is simply too much to bear”.
Richard Morris, Rachael’s partner of 4 years, has said in a statement:
“I cannot describe the loss of Rachael, or how it has completely changed my life. I wanted nothing more than to enjoy our first home, our children and all the adventures we had planned together. She truly was a one of a kind, and the nicest person you could ever meet.
“Although nothing can ever replace Rachael and her beautiful zest for life, I will continue to honour and remember her in everything I do. I will forever be grateful for the many happy and beautiful years we spent together.
“I am continually frustrated by the amount of old drivers on the Island’s roads who drive without due care and attention, and I urge the public to challenge those family members who should take a step back from driving – however difficult that conversation may be. Had Joan’s family had the bravery to take her age into account and help this 88 year old women still have her freedom away from the wheel of a car, Rachael may still be with us.
“The law needs updating to account for old drivers to ensure this type of incident is avoided at all costs. Rachael’s life was precious, and it was taken through negligence and lack of parameters aimed at ensuring you are still fit to drive during old age”.
Maybe there is a case for “Manual Only” licences.
An automatic driven wrongly is potentially dangerous when manoeuvring.
At the very least anyone who decides to change from a manual to an automatic should get professional instruction.
(No, I am not an instructor.)
Everyone who has a current licence can either only drive automatics, or both automatics and manuals. Introducing a manual only licence wouldn’t help anyway as this would only impact new drivers.
The problem is often that elderly drivers switch from a manual to automatic ( for medical or mobility reasons ) without ever having driven one before.
I suppose that dealers could offer free courses for new drivers of automatics and Motability could insist on an auto driving course as a condition of the lease.
Another issue is that electric vehicles, and most hybrids are auto and that will soon be every new car sold.
Agreed. Old folk and automatics DO NOT MIX!
An awful lot of tragedy has been caused by autos.
I speak from similar bitter experience, so please, dont argue, you will not win!
Not always, the baby killed at Yaverland some years ago, and also whose father was seriously injured, was killed by a 30yrs man driving an automatic BMW showing off to his mates.
When you witness carnage first hand, you will understand. stfu.
Waiting for people to blame younger drivers
literally (the dislikes on your comment also give a good indication to the audience demographics on here)
What an awfully sad, tragic case. So sorry for the family and her boyfriend.
Also to the lady who so accidently killed her, an awful end to her life to carry that awful day to the grave with you.
We also feel that mandatory testing of older drivers beyond the age of 70, to ascertain whether or not they have the competencies to retain their driving licence, should be introduced.
…
Ageism at its finest – especially given some of the dismal driving abilities of many who are younger.
I don’t think that it should be restricted to older drivers, perhaps a five yearly medical for the under 50’s, two yearly from 50 to 70 and annual from 70 onwards, the cost just being accepted as part of the normal driving license process.
It’s been a requirement for seafaring and flying qualifications for a very long time.
Also driving hgv’s you have to have a medical every 5 years until you reach 65 then it’s every year.
Not for private craft and NPPL it isn’t.
There is absolutely no training, qualification of medical requirement to take your own craft out to sea and the NPPL (National Private Pilots Licence) and UK PPL (G reg aircraft in UK airspace) merely requires self certification as fit to fly.
I hardly think its ageism when it is a well known fact, peoples bodies and abilities deteriorate as they get older. Oh and theres the blame for young drivers!! 😀 Of course this is young peoples fault again. Silly me.
Why don’t you give it a rest “Ageism at its finest” utter rubbish.
Young=stupid and rash.
Old=Mentally and physicaly UNABLE.
She made one serious mistake in 67 years of driving. A tragic one of that there is not doubt. I think pursuing her in the way that has been done, while understandable, it is also unnecessary. I would just add if your a driver of any age and your not able or willing to drive safely then don’t drive at all.
Oh, please.
Nobody is “perusing” her. She is not being prosecuted and Rachael’s family are, understandably, trying to raise awareness of the problem of elderly drivers who are no longer capable of driving safely.
Compare this to Yaashmi Ravikumar (Forest road crash), a young and inexperienced driver who also made a stupid mistake and killed someone. She got 2 years and everyone on IE calling for blood.
Really? I think you could have fooled everyone else. The police tried every law to prosecute her. They wrote to Seely trying to get the law changed. They are campaigning to get the law changed. These are all in the article if you bother to read it.
I suggest YOU re-read the article. The police submitting the case to the CPS is procedure and the family asking for the person who killed their loved one to suffer some consequence for her actions is, as you yourself say, understandable.
The two questions to bear in mind are the issue of elderly drivers who are no longer capable of driving safely, there not being even the most basic checks to ensure they are when they renew their licences , and the fact that causing death by careless or dangerous driving on a private road is not considered a crime.
It is those things that are being pursued, not Buckett personally.
Drivers over 70 must renew their licences every 3 years, but there is no need for the driver to prove they are fit to drive, they just state they are fit to drive and get a new licence. This is wrong.
ONE SERIOUS MISTAKE TO MANY !
She has blood on her hands, end of !
It was a tragic accident.
Where has the empathy of this country gone. It has to be a blame culture.
Old driver, young driver, drink, drugs, too fast, too slow you will always be able to point a finger at all age groups for one reason or another.
Old driver, young driver, drunk driver, under the influence driver, driving to fast, driving too slow.
Maybe this isn’t an age thing, but I driver thing. How many more have to die until all drivers should be retested regularly.
There is a difference between a young driver who is capable of driving safely, but chooses not to, and an elderly person who is physically incapable of driving safely under any circumstance.
The young driver can easily pass the fitness test but go on to drive like an idiot whereas the elderly person will fail because they are genuinely unfit to drive.
I actually agree with you.
Driving test should be every 5 years from the date of passing the first test and continue until the licence is surrendered.
Island drivers should have to go to the mainland for the test so they are tested with real driving conditions on motorways and dual carriageways.
Cars should have speed limiters enforced depending on age group and set accordingly. (The technology is already in the software of all new cars, fossil fuel or EV)
APNR needs to be blanketed across the island to enforce those that drive with bans, no insurance etc.
at times like this family members should step in take them out once a week in their car let them drive see if you feel safe as a passenger see what their awareness is like yes you could be taking their independence away but you could also save a life.
Everyone should take a test at 70 then every 5 years afterwards. The government will make money the test centre will make money and we will have a safety on our roads and hopefully something like this may have been prevented from happening again. My thoughts are with family. RIPxx
How would taking a test every 5 years stop an accident like this, accidently putting ones foot on the wrong pedal . .
A tragic accident condolences to the family
But it wasn’t just accidentally putting a foot on the wrong pedal.
It was putting a foot on the wrong pedal then keeping it there instead of reacting.
Don’t forget, this was during low speed maneuvering but the car shot forward at high revs and Buckett still sat with her foot on the accelerator until someone pulled her out of the car.
This was a persistent and extended loss of control of the vehicle, not merely a simple error.
people should sit in apply manor of a lunch time,hell thats an eye opener.
Or McDonalds in Ryde if you want a different age group to point at…
you do realise this story is about an elderly driver right? but you’re right, its probably those millennials and their advacado toast again.
wots an advacado?
It does seem that all ages should have a simple brain scan to determine if they are simple before being allowed to operate a vehicle, (or keyboard)
What a huge loss of a precious young beautiful ladies life my thoughts are with her family who lost their child which no parent should go through .I’m annoyed she gave up her driving license as if it was a great thing it should of been taken straight away anyhow .but this doesn’t bring bk a lovely gal much love to her family .
Bad driving is not being done just by the elderly but drivers of all ages so this seems to me to be very ageist. I bet the elderly won’t be on their mobile phones and totally disregarding Road crossings like lots of other drivers.
its not ageist to suggest as you get older your body and abilities deteriorate, so jump off that high horse before you fall bbz
I encouraged my 85 year old Mother to give up driving several years ago as she was not driving enough to keep up her skills. A trip to the shops or a coffee with friends, with a total of around 400 miles per year does not keep one’s skills up to par. Such a sad thing to happen to a beautiful, talented young woman.
How very tragic for both ladies.
Her (Rachel’s) life’s been cut short and her family’s lives ruined because of a dinosaur who was unlikely unfit to drive years before the incident. Makes my urine boil. GPs MUST exercise/be given powers to order the removal of a driving license.
Yes an uncomfortable truth the woke brigade just don’t want to hear. After 70 everyone should be made to undertake an annual medical to make sure their hearing eye sight spacial awareness etc is all still good enough to drive.
amy – your arrogance is breathtaking, refering to someone who happens to be older than you as a dinosaur. ageist, discriminatory and hardly inclusive in todays society.
there are plenty of people who are in their twenties that should’t be allowed anywhere near a car, that have licences, but that clearly doesn’t bother you.
I think your conflating the two issues people in their twenties generally have accidents because they are driving too fast and showing off. Where as very elderly people have accidents a lot of the time because they are medically unfit to drive. The two are not comparable.
.
Like the arrogant young twat who went past me through a red light on Coppins Bridge at high speed yesterday
Had he mistaken the brake for an accelerator and killed someone? No, thought not.
What GPs are that. Surely not the same ones that have disappeared for over 2 years. Or will they do it via e-consult like their normal practice at the moment
This has happened way too many times & will again as nothing is ever,ever done! Similar thing happened on sea front in Shanklin several years ago. A professor from Imperial College was killed on beach if memory serves me right!
Yep, and Yavland…..old people are getting away with murder.
I’m surprised by the amount of old people with extremely slow reflexes and concentration I know who are still allowed to operate a 2000+ kg machine that’s capable of killing a pedestrian in a blink.
Do drivers get retested often? Is there a part where they check reflexes, concentration or is it only eye sight?
They don’t even test eye-sight. The driver decides if their eyesight is OK and if they are fit when re-applying. The whole process is one very sick joke.
I don’t see how saying that you stepped on the wrong pedal is any kind of excuse or explanation…especially when there’s literally only two! XD This is a good analogy for what the selfish 1950s/1960s generation have been doing to younger generations in general. “Everything used to be better in the old days”…okay great well we’ve been living in a democracy all this time so who’s fault is it that we are in this state now? It’s not young people who are around today that are responsible for the state we’re in. It’s people like this old gormless idiot who are to blame, and they are the one’s who complain the most XD
I really don’t understand the excuse/explanation that you stepped on the wrong pedal…there’s literally only two! If you are so mentally handicapped that you can’t handle a binary control system, maybe you should try to think of other people? I know it’s very difficult for the self obsessed 1950s/1960s dumb dumb generation to have empathy for other people, or to take responsibility for their own actions, but maybe she should have thought about someone else for once in her life.
This was horrendous and I just wish cars could be built to NEVER have the ability to accelerate so fast in such quick time. I drive an automatic due to a left ankle problem and I did not want a fast accelerating car because when I tested one out it scared the life out of me as to how fast the car could take off. I think that driving today is so dangerous because of this abitlity., No doubt I will be slammed for this as many people feel it is the only way to go, getting onto motorways and exiting junctions as fast as you can but is it a safe way to drive? Also a fail safe to disable the engine if it is screaming from high revs?
A terrible tragedy for all concerned, I suspect accidents with elderly drivers in automatic cars occur every day in the UK. I believe once the wrong pedal is pressed the driver panics and fully depresses the throttle pedal believing it is the brake as usually witnesses report hearing a high revving engine. Sadly these occurrences are avoidable as modern technology could relatively easily detect a vehicle is manoeuvring and limit throttle travel, this would of course require vehicle manufacturers to buy in to the idea.
Today, 27th, a 39 year old woman in London did exactly the same thing in her 4 X 4 and plowed into schoolchildren and parents outside a school,. seems this sort of accident is not confined to the elderly.