Old Drivers

jambutty · 23-07-2007, 14:09

Once again there are calls for drivers over the age of 70 handing in their license to drive or at least being forced to have a re-test. Because it is claimed and proved by quoting some octogenarian causing an accident, that people who are getting on in years are a danger not only to other road users but to themselves as well.

First of all one swallow does not a summer make. In other words just because there are a few older people who are a danger on the roads it doesn’t automatically follow that all 70+ drivers are the same. Indeed most 70+ drivers will have some 50 years of driving experience behind them and do not go tearing around as an accident waiting to happen. They tend to keep to the speed limits – which annoys the hell out of some other drivers because it slows them down too. So they call for them to be chucked off the roads. Older drivers tend to obey the traffic lights and are not amber gamblers. This too annoys the fool behind who thinks that the driver in front should have stormed through on amber.

Finally a word to all those who would like older drivers off the road - be careful what you wish for because it will affect you at some time.

shillelagh · 23-07-2007, 14:20

Some older drivers arent fit to be driving but some are where do you draw the line? I dont know whether i will drive again but at least i know that i will not cause an accident. So what do you do to make sure that a driver is fit to drive you give them a medical. What age do you give them a medical? Nice round number lets pick 70. Maybe just maybe that everyone before getting behind the wheel should have a medical. That might make the older drivers who are not fit to drive make them think when it comes up for their driving licence renewal that just maybe that they get rid of the car. Im not saying all 70 years and above are unfit but some are mind you there are some that are not fit to be driving who are driving at the age of 18 but thats why everyone does a medical and say every five years until they reach the age of 70 and then a medical every year or 2 years. To make sure they are medically fit and mentally fit to drive a car.

Ianto.W. · 23-07-2007, 14:28

I gave up driving because of some of the reasons stated above, everyone is in a hurry, as soon as some drivers get behind the wheel of a car they 'sprout horns' and turn into road bullies. These people 'manufacture' situation that don't exist, they drive like mad tear round roundabouts only to be confronted by a red light, and the car they cut up pulls slowly behind them. Why is everyone in such a big hurry to get nowhere

MargaretR · 23-07-2007, 14:30

Bus drivers and lorry drivers have renewal licence medicals and it costs them LOADS O' MONEY. I cant see such medicals for older drivers being a practical or tolerable answer. Most of us oldies who drive are aware that our night vision is affected by age. I personally never drive on unlit roads after dark.
We have to accept that there are awful drivers in all age groups - and more are under 25s ,as reflected in insurance premiums.

jambutty · 23-07-2007, 14:58

The system that is in place today seems to be about as fair as you can get without discriminating against certain age groups.

As I approached 70 I had to re-apply for my license and declare that I was fit to drive and could read a car number plate 25 yards distant, which I can with ease in normal daylight. In fact I can read most road signs long before the average person. As I understand it I will have to re-apply for my driving license every three years and somewhere along the way I will need a ‘fitness to drive’ note from my GP.

Although some older drivers can be a nuisance to other road users, so can most of the others. If all drivers stuck to the Highway Code there would be no problem. The problems arise because a huge percentage of drivers seem to think that the Highway Code is for others and not them.

Although my night driving vision must have deteriorated some it hasn’t got so bad that I feel uncomfortable driving at night. But none-the-less I avoid doing so on unfamiliar roads.

WillowTheWhisp · 23-07-2007, 15:25

If everyone approached driving with the same common sense and admitted to themselves when they felt less capable (such as deteriorating night vision) there wouldn't be a problem. It's only when people whose reactions have slowed down and whose vision has deteriorated still insist they are fit to drive when they plainly aren't that it causes problems. I know someone who used to fall asleep at the wheel. Now that really was a problem.

Margaret Pilkington · 23-07-2007, 15:55

It is too easy to lump all the old drivers together and tar them with the same brush.....I think it is unfair and a sweeping generalisation.

ossy kid · 23-07-2007, 16:32

Older drivers tend to respect other road users so are less likely to cause a "situation". Most of them have done their "dashing about" and now have time to enjoy driving. 70 is far too soon to declare a person incapable without individual circumstances dictating so. As I see it the worst drivers on the road today are females up to the age of 30 {in most cases**. If a person has a record which raises concern, that person should have to resit the driving exam, regardless of age.

ploppysirploppy · 23-07-2007, 18:11

My Grandad aged 70 needs to drive 20 miles to hospital and back three times a week..... everytime he goes, it's usually 2/3 am he gets back. He needs dialysis. So what happens then if 70+ year old drivers aren't allowed to drive anymore? Not only will my Grandad be left struggling and also many others.
Lea
x

garinda · 23-07-2007, 18:19

I think all drivers should be tested every three years, regardless of age. The bad driving, and lack of courtesy exhibited by mainly young drivers, is appalling.

Then again I'm just bitter, as I am due to be retested in October. A twenty mile drive around Wigan, plus an hour pressing buttons and pedals to test my reaction speeds, will either mean my licence will be renewed for three years, as it was last time, or renewed for a year, or will be taken off me.

mrjdallen · 23-07-2007, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by garinda

I think all drivers should be tested every three years, regardless of age.

totally agree, but how much would that cost? who would pay? how many would do that?

garinda · 23-07-2007, 18:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrjdallen

totally agree, but how much would that cost? who would pay? how many would do that?

It could be a whole new industry, now we are no longer an industrial nation, or even a service centre nation, now that more and more call centres are moving out to the third world.

entwisi · 23-07-2007, 19:22

I agree with Rindy and have said so on more than oen occasion on AW. retests every 5 years irrespective of age should be compulsory. It will improve teh standard of driving considerably. I see far too many poor drivers on the roads for there to be any other answer. Who would pay is one question that has been levied. It costs this country billions in lost production, health services, Police, insurance etc. A simple 1 hour test would be sufficient to test the majority of driving skills. and is not a big ask of everyone every 5 years

K.S.H · 23-07-2007, 19:42

I can agree to a certain point about being retested, but - all these drivers have passed a test, it only takes 45-60 mins of driving to get a licence, you will never stop what they drive like after.
1 good thing though is they/we will have to read the highway code again, i'll admit i've never seen one since I passed my 2nd driving test

West Ender · 23-07-2007, 20:02

I'm with all of you on the re-testing. Everyone, regardless of age, should have to have a driving test, periodically, and a compulsory sight test. When it comes to older drivers, 70+, the main problem is likely to be eyesight rather than competence.

I've a few years to go before I reach my 3 score years and 10 but I have my eyes tested every year. The day the optician tells me my sight isn't good enough to drive, I will stop driving. I don't want to be a danger on the roads, either to myself or any one else.

It's true some people's mental agility slows down with age but, to be realistic, 70 isn't the age when a magic switch is thrown and, whoops, you're ga-ga. I've known highly competent 80 year olds and very dubious 50 year olds. It's down to individuals. I also see a lot of much younger people whose mental faculties I wonder about from the way they drive, like idiots.