Driving at 101, Safe or not?

entwisi · 01-02-2006, 18:28

Just on Granada, bloke at 101 who is still driving. What do we all think about it. Too old? I must say he did seem quite lucid, more so than a lot of old people I see. So how could we ensure that we don't discriminate but ensure that people whose reactions etc are just not up to the job are stopped from being a danger?

lettie · 01-02-2006, 18:33

I thought that you had to have medicals after a certain age in order to re-apply for your license.... Presumably if he has passed his medical tests etc then he is legally deemed as being safe on the road. Let's face it, he is probably safer than a hell of a lot of the idiots on our roads today.

entwisi · 01-02-2006, 18:59

The problem is that the 'medical' involves getting your GP to sign a piece of paper. It does not require a sight test, reactions, or any check of the ability to make rational decisions quickly.

I know from my own experience that towards the end of his life my Dad was not really fit to drive. He knew it himself as well and would always make me drive if we were going somewhere together. It is very hard for people to give something up like that. That is why we need regular checks. Without sounding ageist in any way, I personally think that we should ALL have to take a checkup/test every few years. People will say it costs too much, how much does an accident cost when all services are taken into account. Its just that goverments seem unable to think proactively anymore.

Neil · 01-02-2006, 19:13

I entered this thread thinking you were talking about speed, I was going to say your better sticking to 99mpg because it is an instant (ish) ban at 100mph.

But your talking about age. I think each person should be assessed on an individual basis. Age effects us all differently. Some people at 60 may physically be more capable of driving than others at 30.

garinda · 01-02-2006, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by entwisi

The problem is that the 'medical' involves getting your GP to sign a piece of paper. It does not require a sight test, reactions, or any check of the ability to make rational decisions quickly.

I know from my own experience that towards the end of his life my Dad was not really fit to drive. He knew it himself as well and would always make me drive if we were going somewhere together. It is very hard for people to give something up like that. That is why we need regular checks. Without sounding ageist in any way, I personally think that we should ALL have to take a checkup/test every few years. People will say it costs too much, how much does an accident cost when all services are taken into account. Its just that goverments seem unable to think proactively anymore.

I had to go to Writhington Hospital to have my driving skills reassesed when I had to inform the DVLA that I had Parkinson's Disease.

The tests were very thorough. I had to go on various machines to test reaction times for two hours, as well as drive for an hour around Wigan.

They could have taken my licence off me that day, renewed it for a year, or for three years. Happily they renewed my licence for the maximum three years before I have to go through it all again.

If the tests older drivers are as thorough as the ones I did, they deserve to be on the roads, and they are probably a lot safer than a lot of the boy racers, who seemed to have picked up most of their driving skills from playing on the Playstation.

Neil · 01-02-2006, 19:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

...drive for an hour around Wigan....

That must have been torture.
I don't think they will ever bring in such thorough test's for people because of age. Just imagine how many people would have to employed to do it. Each tester would only manage 2 or 3 people a day.

WillowTheWhisp · 01-02-2006, 20:07

Obviously people can become incapable of driving at different ages and for different reasons. It shouldn't be regarded as ageist for people to have re-tests beyond a certain age. We all get old (unless we pop our clogs first) just as we have all been young at one time. Just because someone is elderly doesn't mean they are less capable. On the other hand I've seen some very doddery looking people driving and I wouldn't fancy being in the car with them.

MUMMIBOO · 02-02-2006, 10:13

He wouldnt have passed a test anyway because in those days they didnt have to.

I wonder what his first car was?

Neil · 02-02-2006, 10:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by MUMMIBOO

He wouldnt have passed a test anyway because in those days they didnt have to.

We don't know when he started driving.

SPUGGIE J · 02-02-2006, 13:58

I would trust someone with his driving expeience than some that are in their late teens early 20's on the road today. If is health and reactions are good then there should be no problems with him driving.

jason · 02-02-2006, 16:29

Your license lasts for 50 years doesn't it?
Does that mean he passed his test in his 50's?
Surely he would have had to reapply or take another test if he was younger!!

johnboy · 02-02-2006, 17:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPUGGIE J

I would trust someone with his driving expeience than some that are in their late teens early 20's on the road today. If is health and reactions are good then there should be no problems with him driving.

I totally disagree on that one!!!!

Neil · 02-02-2006, 17:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnboy

I totally disagree on that one!!!!

Go on then, give us a clue why.

garinda · 02-02-2006, 17:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil

Go on then, give us a clue why.

Because he's twenty?

johnboy · 02-02-2006, 17:47

Because half of the old folk on the road today dont have a clue wot day it is let alone wot is around them on the road, right young people do have a lot of accidents but there is a lot more of them and at least we have a sense of direction!!!!