26-09-2006, 16:03
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#57
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Apprentice Geriatric
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Darwen, Lancashire
Posts: 3,706
Liked: 0 times
Rep Power: 88
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Re: New Drivers.
When you reach 65 Mick I suspect that your opinion will change.
However at what age does people’s eyesight and reactions start to slow? For some it might be before 50 whilst others it could be well past 70.
I’m pushing 70 yet I can comfortably read a car number plate at twice the required distance. As for reactions – with age comes wisdom and we all know that as life progresses the body ages. As far as I can tell my reactions are not too different to what they were 10 years ago but I accept that they could have slowed down a bit. So I make greater allowances for other road users. I back off an extra few yards from the car in front except when stationary at traffic lights. Which is more than some youngsters do. They stop ten yards from the car in front and then as someone comes to a stop behind them they creep forward a yard or two. Why?
How many old timers have you seen tailgating? How many old timers go bombing around the streets? The insurance companies are not noted for being stupid so why are older drivers charged a lesser amount for insurance than younger ones. It couldn’t possible have anything to do with the fact that most old timers behind the wheel are a darned site safer and more considerate of other road users than those under 50 and especially under 25.
As I understand it, prior to my 70th birthday I will receive a letter/form from the DVLA to take to my doctor who will, after an examination, decide whether I am fit to continue to drive safely. I would rather take his word than some arbitrary call for re-test at 65.
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