Quote:
Originally Posted by Gayle
I personally think that there should be more frequent tests for everyone, perhaps every ten years until the age of 60, then at 65 and 70, then every one or two years after that.
Everyone gets in to bad habits when they have been driving for a long time - do you keep your hands at the correct position, do you not cross your hands over when turning a corner, do you continually check your mirrors? People get a little lazy, complacent or over confident and a regular test would remind people how to drive properly.
I also think it would help reduce insurance premiums.
As for older people giving up when they think it's the right time. Not a chance!!!! There is no way that an older person, or anyone for that matter, will give up voluntarily, just because they think they should. Most people are in denial about aging anyway, the majority of people are not going to admit that they're too old or ill or anything else, to drive!
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Gayle, I agree that over the years most drivers acquire bad habits...but these
usually do not lead to accidents.
When you pass your driving test you think you know it all...it is only when you get out on the road on your own that you realise that this is when the real learning takes place.
Over the years you adapt to different driving conditions and your experience builds......you change, you evolve.....some people become better drivers, some people are sloppy thoughtless irresponsible drivers.
As you get older(well this is my take on the situation anyway) you realise that driving is a dangerous pastime......I think the young folk tend to think they are immortal, but as you get older you realise you are just a mortal and that the big metal vehicle has the power to kill both you as the driver, and take any passenger or pedestrian too.
I think any driver who does not realise that they are past their best is irresponsible.
As you get older you are forced, sometimes by circumstance to realise and accept your limitations.......and those folk who say they would not give up driving(even when they know they are not competent anymore) unless they are forced to, are risking their own and other peoples lives by their foolishness.