81-Year-Old Drives Wrong Way on Four Motorways in One Day

An 81-year-old man from Madrid, Spain, was arrested after driving the wrong way down four different motorways in a single day, causing multiple accidents and endangering other drivers. His dangerous spree took place on August 14, 2023, and included erratic driving that lasted for several hours.

The incident began around 12:45 PM when the elderly driver made a U-turn at a toll on the M-12 motorway. He then entered the M-11 motorway, driving against the flow of traffic. After covering approximately 2.2 miles, he collided head-on with another vehicle. Despite the damage, he appeared unbothered and continued his journey.

Later in the day, at approximately 6:25 PM, the driver entered the A-5 motorway, heading towards Madrid in lanes designated for traffic going to Badajoz. His reckless driving forced another car off the road, resulting in two minor injuries. The situation escalated at around 7:34 PM when he was spotted again on the A-6 motorway, driving the wrong way near kilometre 16 while heading towards La Coruña. Fortunately, no accidents were reported on this stretch.

Authorities from the Guardia Civil later investigated the incidents, gathering evidence of the man’s dangerous driving behavior. He now faces four counts of reckless driving. In response to this alarming situation, officials have requested an assessment to determine whether he is fit to drive, which could potentially lead to the suspension of his driving licence.

Public reaction to the incidents has been mixed, with some voicing concerns over the safety of older drivers. One social media user commented, “What are all these older people thinking, putting everyone else’s lives at risk?” This incident has sparked discussions about the need for revised driving regulations for elderly individuals.

As authorities assess the situation, the focus remains on ensuring road safety and preventing similar occurrences in the future.