Should old people be allowed to drive?

[Billtr96sn]

In answer to a previous correspondent,Yes I passed my test in a car, on a bike, in a bus and in a lorry. I also have my tanl licence and fork truck, so maybe I am in a better osition than mose to comment?

[chrissydrove]

Billtr  Just because you've passed several driving tests it doesn't make you an expert, critiscising older drivers.
What it actually makes you is ageist.
I'm sick to death of younger people slagging off oldies.
We haven't all got alzheimers or dementia you know.
This must be the most disrespectful country in the world towards it's elderly residents.
It's nasty.
Don't speak for the majority because you've had a couple of bad experiences.
There are bad drivers of all ages. Most of them are young or driving lorries or cabs.
I have been behind older drivers that maybe driving a bit slowly and cautiously but that isn't dangerous.

[Billtr96sn]

Yes it is. The frustration someone driving 25 in a 40 causes is unreal.  I know the speed limit is a maximum and not a recommended minimum, but the average Joe like to make progress, and having sa doddery old giffer crawling in front peering through the steering wheel at a snails pace is more dangerous than Flash Harrry in a Jag doing 50.

If you cannot keep pace with modern traffic, get off the road.

[chrissydrove]

They are as free to use the road as a road hog like you.
The likes of you should get off of the road. You're obviously a danger becausae you have no patience. So lets see who is the biggest danger  emm you I think!

[Billtr96sn]

What makes you think I am a Road Hog? I, personally, drive with consideration and caution. Just because I can see the other side of the coin and am capable of stating such, does not make me a 'Road Hog', it makes me someone with clarity and vision and not a blinkered old fool.

[chrissydrove]

If you see both sides then how come you can't see that some old people need their independance. They need to drive to the shops, docs and to meet up with people.
I suggest you being big hearted harry that you are, should show a bit mor consideration and patience towards people.
Life is not just for the young.
They've done their bit and they are entitled to drive while they can.

[Billtr96sn]

What makes you think I am young?  Surely though, if they are so dangerous ( and dangerous is what they are) and kill someone, does that make it OK?
They can still have their independence and use those electric buggies, or buses.

[chrissydrove]

Are the young drivers that kill going to ride round in buses or buggy's. Don't be so insulting and flippant.
I have rarely read of an old person killing someone on the road but it's a regular thing with young drivers that think they know it all and take unnecessary risks.
Like a previous poster on here said, there are many times when you have to brake because of a cocky young driver. Leave the oldies alone. It is up to their doctor and themselves to realise when it is time to call it a day. Not know all know nothings like you.
Worry about your own driving. You are obviously overconfident and no doubt blame everyone else for your own mistakes.

[Hells Granny]

It would be interesting to see how many points the protagonists here have on their respective licences.

I will confess first, I have always had a clean licence.

Anyone else gonna 'fess up?

Cheers, HG

[Hugh]

Just how old is old. In years to come many people will have to work well beyond 65 because retirement age is going to be increased. Secondly many people cannot live on a state pension and in many cases driving is a part of there job. Although I do believe we should all have a fit to drive medical

[JoachimB]

Im a statistician.

Death in UK/aus is no higher with respect to age.
As chrissydrove points out.
In fact under 25's peak it. More accidents resulting in death related to number of drivers is OWNED by under 25's.
Children are young dumb and full of ..  i was a 20 something. I had a worked 5.9 liter V8 AND a sd 900 duke.
Fortunately i had some skill so i only damaged myself and never killed anyone.
This applies to aus only.. Why have a power car in UK when the wipers are on 75% o the time..

Older peeps tend to be far more conservative and cautious... as they should be. the reaction times are down and they know it.
Funny thing is.. I dont drive anymore.... i let license go fallow because sold vette and bike.
Then

I went to rta to get new license.. and they said i had to take full test again... LOL
But my man i said, i have pilots license. If i can fly a plane surely i can drive a car.
No thats not how it works he said.. yes it is i said... you would trust me to fly you but not drive you... sure thing.
no joy.

And i dont need vehicular creds till i get a vehicle... Im thinking a bentley

J

[Hugh]

As most on here are hiding their age I as a 70 year old can argue the case for the older generation. I always try to keep up with the flow of the traffic but always try to keep a safe distance not like many youngsters who seem to want to get into your car boot I have seen many older and much younger drivers crawling along staring over their steering wheel. These drivers should be stopped and checked for drugs drink and given an eye sight test  Just how old is old well I know people who are much older than me but younger in years. Had a laugh at one chap I know who I tried to talk into coming to the GYM. He said you won't be doing that when you get to my age. I said how old are you then I asked. 65 

[UK]

There is only 1 relevant driving bench mark and that is ability and not age, age is just a number. In the last 10 years I have been the victim of 3 car accidents the 'offenders' being 2 young women and a youngish male. None of them was over 40.

On that basis should we ban drivers under the age of 40?

There are some appalling older drivers but hell of a lot more younger ones, that is why their insurance is more expensive.

[Hugh]

There are good and bad driver in all age groups and there is not much you can do about it. You have been rather unlucky playing dodgems with youngsters.
You like me are are new to this site and I hope you are not to disappointed to find there are not many active members. So I hope you stay and help build numbers up. It would be interesting to know more about you and your interests.

[cheddar-caveman]

So true Hugh. Age is just a number. At 71 (ha ha) I can also speak for the older generation. I have a clean licence and have never caused an accident. In one of the voluntary jobs I do I drive an ambulance complete with blues and twos.

I think it is time that we, the older generation, (and some of the younger ones) did a regular "fit to drive" test. This could be done in a simulator just to test ones awareness, situation assessment and reaction to situations. I do this as part of the ambulance driving and it's very useful, and, in the simulator, a lot of fun Come and see me at Glastonbury this year!